By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The transformation of Luka Doncic is no longer just physical. Having reported to training camp in the finest condition of his career, medically cleared and free of limitations, the Slovenian playmaker is now engineering a cultural shift. This comes in the wake of LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. The keys to the franchise have been handed over.
The narrative has shifted from a search for identity to a masterclass in leadership. Head coach JJ Redick, following Thursday’s practice session, completely dispelled any notions that the 27-year-old superstar is only now stepping into this role.
“He paid for a private plane for 14 guys or 16 guys to fly to Slovenia,” the Lakers head coach stressed, immediately contextualizing the sheer gravity of the minicamp organized by Doncic during the offseason. “That’s pretty extra.”
The gesture was more than a luxury getaway. It was a team-building experience designed to fortify the locker room before the relentless storm of the 82-game calendar in the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season.
“The idea that he wasn’t in a leadership position or didn’t have moments of leadership over the last season and a half that we had him is just false,” asserted 42-year-old Redick, protecting his star’s track record. “I think it’s different without certain people on the team. Naturally there’s a void. We talked about that all summer.”
“I started my individual meetings with players yesterday, and Luka and I spent the majority of the time talking about leadership,” he continued. “It’s something he’s really excited about. I also think there’s a natural evolution to a player despite your stature on the team. There needs to be experience, and there needs to be maturity, and there needs to be age. It just naturally comes with being an older player and being in the league for an extended period of time.”
Body language
Historically, NBA icons have leaned toward using their authority in unmatched on-court mastery rather than vocal outbursts. For Doncic, a player whose competitive fire is always visible, controlling that energy has become the final frontier of his development.
“Luka has a growth mentality as a player, and I don’t think there’s any reason to believe it won’t extend to leadership,” he analyzed. “And I think he recognizes that the vocal side of things is one thing. The body language thing, both positive and negative, is another thing. That’s a focus, just having great body language.”
However, this burden will not be carried alone. Redick’s vision features a clear hierarchy at the top, a dual-engine core where Doncic works in tandem with Austin Reaves.
“This group of guys is going to follow him and AR. That’s just the reality,” he explained. “They’re going to follow those two guys, and that’s a huge responsibility for both those guys.”
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