Jake LaRavia spoke about one LA Lakers star who has now usurped LeBron James as the natural leader of the team.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a unique position as a franchise. After about seven years of LeBron James leading the franchise, that mantle has been taken over by Luka Doncic.
Luka’s arrival to the Lakers ensures that the chain of succession when it comes to superstars remains protected.
It’s clear that the Lakers are prioritizing Doncic over James going forward, which makes sense, given that Luka is entering his prime, and LeBron is nearing retirement.
And it appears Doncic is trying to reward the faith the Lakers have shown in him by stepping up and being a leader for the team.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesJake LaRavia says LA Lakers follow Luka Doncic because of who he is
Jake LaRavia was asked about the leadership he has seen from Luka Doncic since joining the LA Lakers this offseason.
More than anything, the Lakers acknowledge who Luka Doncic is and what he has accomplished in his career. He wants to build a mutually beneficial relationship that helps the Lakers win games.
“He’s a vocal leader. But more so, you follow him because he’s Luka. You know what he does, you know who he is on the court. It’s easy to stand behind someone like that.
“How talented he is, how good he is as a player. For me, I’m just trying to benefit him as much as I can. I think we’re going to have a relationship where I help him, he helps me, and we win games.”
Jake LaRavia on Luka Doncic’s leadership: “You follow him because he’s Luka. You know what he does, you know who he is on the court” pic.twitter.com/yX3rKO6gpO
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 13, 2025
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Luka Doncic is stepping up in a huge way for LA Lakers
NBA fans got a prime example of Luka Doncic’s leadership on the LA Lakers during their game against the Golden State Warriors last night.
Despite not playing, Doncic had a big impact. Austin Reaves suffered a minor knock during the game. In a timeout, Doncic told Reaves to end his night and not take any risks, and the young star obliged.
Fans will be excited to see what this leadership looks like on the court, and they’ll get their first chance tomorrow night, as Luka Doncic makes his LA Lakers preseason debut.
Hopefully, the Slovenian superstar can stay healthy, not exert himself, while still playing some elite basketball like we know he can.