LeBron James Publicly Shuts Down Luka Doncic Narrative With Strong Message

LeBron James had an efficient showing in the LA Lakers' 125-101 bounce-back win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, which snapped their three-game losing streak. After the game, James was asked about the narrative surrounding his relationship with Luka Doncic, following the team's recent stretch of defeats.

According to James, he does not want to create any narrative between him and Doncic, as he hopes the entire team will create each other's weight for the rest of the season.

"I don't want to create the narrative of me and Luka," James said in front of reporters. "There are five guys on the floor and about seven guys that come off the bench. It needs to be all of us."

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James, who will be turning 41 years old on Wednesday, added that he and Doncic must set the tone for the team, considering they are seen as the leaders of the squad.

"It's important that we set the tone," James said.

James had 24 points, on 11-of-13 shooting from the field, along with five assists. Meanwhile, Doncic put up 34 points, five rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Lakers.

The win improved the Lakers' record to 20-10, staying in the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

The game came after Lakers head coach JJ Redick's post-Christmas Day call-outs for his squad, following their third straight loss.

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Luka Doncic says him, and LeBron should spark the Lakers' rally

Luka Doncic said he and James have to take charge of the Lakers for the rest of the season.

After their win against the Kings, Doncic believed James and the currently injured Austin Reaves must lift the Lakers, especially on rough stretches this season.

"I think it definitely starts with us," Doncic said. "And when (Austin Reaves) is back, it's going to be all three of us. But now, it starts with us. We need to show what we can do and if we are going to do it, we both are going to do it. The group is going to follow."

Reaves is expected to miss the next four weeks due to a calf injury.

The Lakers have a chance to get back on track in the next week as they will be playing three straight games at home.

They will return on New Year's Day in Jan. 1 against the Eastern Conference's top seed team Detroit Pistons.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo