Luka Dončić Stresses Importance of ‘Next Man Up’ Mindset

With James expected to be out until at least late November, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers’ lineup will now lean more on Dončić and emerging guard Austin Reaves, who tallied 21 points against Golden State before briefly exiting with a leg bruise.

“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Dončić remarked after Saturday’s practice. “He’s an incredible player — someone who contributes a lot to our success. But in the end, we’ve got to keep that next man up attitude.”

Redick shared a similar perspective in his first public comments following the announcement of James’ injury.

“We knew he’d been managing some nerve irritation, so hopefully he returns soon,” Redick said. “Those injuries can be unpredictable. It hasn’t changed our practice approach — it just leaves some uncertainty about the starting lineup until he’s healthy again.”