"It's a big change" - Luka Doncic sends strong message to Lakers on surviving LeBron James' extended injury spell

Luka Doncic will have to carry the load for the LA Lakers to start the season, with LeBron James dealing with sciatica. Doncic delivered a strong message to the team ahead of the new campaign, which begins on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.

Speaking to reporters after Saturday's practice, Doncic commented on playing the early parts of the season without James. The Slovenian star isn't too concerned because he wants the team to have a "next man up" mentality that would help them survive and compete.

"It's a big change," Doncic said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "He's a great player. He can help us a lot, but at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be 'next man up.' We got a group of guys that have been practicing, and hopefully, LeBron can join us as soon as possible. We are going to, obviously, need him, but our mentality has got to be 'next man up.'"

Luka Doncic is going to be the primary focal point on offense under coach JJ Redick. The LA Lakers signed him to a massive extension this past summer, signaling the franchise was giving him the key to lead them into their next era while LeBron James is still on the team.

Redick hasn't decided on his starting lineup just yet, but it will likely feature Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton. James would have been the fourth man, with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart vying for that fifth and final spot.

But with James out, Hachimura and Smart could be part of the starting five now. Jake LaRavia is also a candidate because he can space the floor, while Jarred Vanderbilt is a defensive option.

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LeBron James has been in pain since late July or early August

LeBron James has been in pain since late July or early August. (Photo: IMAGN)

While LeBron James' sciatica diagnosis only became official earlier this week, the four-time NBA champion has reportedly been dealing with nerve pain throughout the summer. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Friday's episode of "NBA Today" that James began experiencing sciatica symptoms in late July to early August.

"My understanding is this injury for LeBron, this nerve issue, first developed, first occurred, in late July, early August, during an on-court workout," Charania said. "So it's now two-and-a-half months and counting that he's had to deal with it and manage it. ... I'm told LeBron James had not done much basketball for well over a month prior to that."

James was recovering from a knee injury after the playoffs before his sciatica nerve pain popped up. He didn't have his usual offseason routine, which has been an important aspect of his career and longevity.