Former NBA star Chandler Parsons reckons LeBron James’ injury creates ‘perfect time’ for Luka Doncic. James is expected to be out for at least two weeks after suffering a left groin injury and Parsons believes it is a perfect time for Doncic to put his command on the team.
The Lakers suffered a 111-108 loss against the Brooklyn Nets in the absence of James and Doncic took the blame on his shoulders.
In his 12 games with the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.
“I think this is a perfect time. I think this is great long-term for the rest of the season for Luca to get his rhythm for him to get going. Obviously, we know he missed some time before he got traded,” Parsons said on FanDuel’s Run It Back. “Now he’s coming. He’s kind of trying to get his feet wet, trying to get everybody else involved.”
Parsons clarified that he isn’t saying that the Lakers will be better without the services of LeBron James but feels Doncic has an opportunity to settle into his role.
“I’m not saying they’re better without LeBron James because that’s not even close to the truth. But I think it long term might help them out that Luca can finally get these couple of weeks under his belt to play those big minutes, have even more usage rate, and continue to get his rhythm back,” he added.
ESPN analyst Ramona Shelburne concurred with Parsons and said Doncic gave the impression that the Lakers are not yet his team after his poor show against the Nets.
“This is an opportunity right now for Luka to make it his team… He hasn’t looked as comfortable. I thought he was getting there, but in this game, without LeBron, it made me realize, oh, this isn’t his team yet,” Shelbourne said.
Doncic finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals but shot just 8-of-26 from the field and 3-of-10 from beyond the arc in 41 minutes against the Nets.
