Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 60 points to lead the Lakers to a 111-103 win over the Pelicans tonight. James spoke to the media after the game and conceded that Doncic is the new face of the Lakers, and he now bends his game around the Slovenian star.
“Luka doesn’t need to bend his game (to me). He’s our 27-year-old franchise [player] for this ball club. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out,” said James.
Doncic was told about these comments during his press conference and asked to explain how James has adjusted his game around him. The Lakers’ franchise player had nothing but praise for him.
“I mean, he’s been absolutely amazing. Helping me out, helping others out, being super efficient on the field goals. But yeah, at the end of the day, he’s LeBron, you know? He can do anything, so I just really appreciate him.”
LeBron James finished the game tonight by stuffing the box score with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block while shooting 10-19 from the field (52.6%) and 3-5 from the three-point line (60.0%).
“Like I said, when we’re out there, I think we’re playing better with each other game by game, and it’s only going to improve from here,” Doncic further added.
The Slovenian superstar emphasized how communication on the court has improved recently, which has facilitated improved chemistry between him and James. From backdoor cuts to lobs at the rim, James and Doncic can provide a unique edge to the Lakers’ offense with effective communication.
Luka lob.
Bron slam.
You vote: https://t.co/Br8SB5kmzV pic.twitter.com/wSrDwT8dfW
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 7, 2026
At age 41, this is probably the last year for James to contend for a championship as a regular starter on a franchise. But Doncic remains in awe of what he brings to the table even now.
“It’s just insane. Probably me at 41, I’d be limping around,” said Doncic while joking about how he marvels at LeBron James’ unreal athleticism at this age.
Doncic also stuffed the box score and ended up with 30 points, 10 assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block tonight. He shot 11-22 from the floor (50.0%) and 3-10 from the three-point line (30.0%).
A solid night for both the Lakers’ stars and a positive sign for the future. Following this win, the Lakers have improved to 23-11. They are no longer tied with the Rockets (22-11) for the third seed in the West.
The Lakers will now face Victor Wembanyama and the second-seeded Spurs (25-11) tomorrow (January 7) on the second night of a back-to-back, where James might not even play.
Whereas, the Pelicans fell to 8-30 for the season as the bottom team (15th seed) in the Western Conference. They will now face Jalen Johnson and the Hawks tomorrow night as well.
