By EssentiallySports,Vaibhavi Malhotra

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The veteran’s love for the game remains appreciable as he said, “The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” emphasizing his motivation to keep competing at the highest level. His durability and production suggest that the Lakers have the luxury of his experience for at least one more season.

And for a franchise in pursuit of Western Conference supremacy, James’ presence remains as a cornerstone at best, no matter how much Luka Doncic is changing LA’s influential dynamics.

Luka Doncic is growing as the Lakers’ newest leader

And speaking of Luka Doncic, the Don walked into media day noticeably transformed, both physically and mentally, at that. After a standout EuroBasket 2025 showing for Slovenia, where he averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, Doncic revealed his offseason work had paid off. “Fatigue is the biggest thing for me,” he admitted.

Less tired and more explosive, Luka’s conditioning now mirrors his ambitions clearly, which is to lead this Lakers squad fully. Coach JJ Redick noted, “This is his life, this is his routine, this is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself.” Doncic’s improved stamina, in a way, doesn’t just enhance scoring, but it is also a key to defensive consistency, especially against the league’s elite guards.

In a season where every possession counts, Luka’s all-around impact could redefine the Lakers’ style. Including the franchise’s youngest stars. Because that mindset of raising standards wasn’t just Luka’s. Austin Reaves, too, has set his own bar for the year.

Austin Reaves is betting on himself

Being one of the Lakers’ most important players, Reaves didn’t hold back on his feelings either. His media day comments were as much about heart as strategy. After turning down a maximum four-year, $89.2 million extension, he’s setting the stage for unrestricted free agency next summer.

“It’s super hard… It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be in LA,” Reaves said, signaling loyalty despite the business decision. Last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46.0% shooting per game, showing a remarkable capacity for both scoring and facilitating.

His contract year approach suggests an elevated level of performance is on the horizon, with the Lakers keen to secure him long-term. Reaves, at this crucial point, represents a calculated risk of a rising talent whose ceiling could tip the balance in a playoff series.

Deandre Ayton is embracing the Lakers’ role

Deandre Ayton, new to the Lakers lineup, on the other hand, sees this as the pinnacle opportunity of his career. Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season with the Trail Blazers, asserting himself as a dominant inside presence. “This is the biggest opportunity of my career,” Ayton told reporters on being a Laker.