Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic addressed a legitimate concern in a recent episode of the “Mind The Game” podcast. Joining LeBron James and Steve Nash, Doncic emphasized the importance of players who know their role in the modern NBA. He said:
“One more important thing for guys is – know your role. Know what you do good and do that. Don’t do something that you’re not good at. It’s not going to help.”
Doncic addressed the high stakes with which each professional sport is played. Considering the slim margin for error, there are very drastic implications for each mistake. In the NBA, knowing your role and doing what you do best is tantamount to spelling success for your team.
Nash, in agreement with Doncic’s statement, went on to add, “Such an important part of winning teams is knowing your role. Starring in your role. Being good at your role. When guys start to have the wrong perspective of their role, play outside themselves, the team is going down the other way.”
Every player on winning teams has mastered their role. pic.twitter.com/OeMqAhwysN
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 8, 2025
Nash then connected the matter of understanding one’s role to the issues associated with basketball at the youth level. With young generations more focused on capturing the highlights rather than working on the fundamentals, the essence of understanding how important a “role” is becomes undervalued and hence, disregarded.
Many players in the NBA were high school or collegiate stars in their own right. While this is directly correlated to their innate talent and ability, the NBA is a league where water finds its level. Many high school stars are required to play in organized systems, and without a strong foundation, often find themselves falling out of the rotation because of their inability to adapt.
There is a general sentiment that the panel shared regarding the fundamental style of playing organized basketball. However, this also appears to be a thin line, since James also addressed how simply “training” in one sport is counterproductive for younger athletes.
Regardless, there are exceptions to every case, and Doncic happens to be one of them. Having played in a pro league from a very early age, the guard established himself as a generational talent worth taking note of.
The case has also been made stronger since coming to the NBA, as the 26-year-old is widely considered one of the best offensive players in the league. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for his defensive effort.
After a failed postseason run, the Slovenian was on the receiving end of some harsh criticism regarding his conditioning. However, Doncic appears to have taken this in his stride as he has already slimmed down in preparation for the new season.
With new goals and a new contract extension on the horizon, the Lakers will look forward to seeing what their star can bring to the table.
