The Lakers were on fire before Saturday’s Celtics encounter, having won eight straight games heading into that night. But their momentum took a massive halt at TD Garden as they got blown out by ten points and their winning streak got snapped. An even bigger concern was that LeBron James suffered an unfortunate groin injury that has now sidelined him for at least one to two weeks. Obviously, this increases pressure on Luka Doncic to carry the team until LBJ returns. But the Slovenian Sensation seems to be prioritizing LeBron’s health over everything.

Turns out, Luka and LeBron had a private conversation following Saturday’s setback, the details of which were revealed by national reporter Dave McMenamin, “I spoke to a source close to Luka Doncic and he’s echoing the same message that LeBron did to him when he was traded Dallas to LA and he was out with a calf injury. LeBron’s messaging to Luka was, ‘Take your time. Get healthy. We want you to be you when you are ready to be you.’ Luka is sending the same message back to LeBron.”

Yes, Doncic does not want to rush James’s return and make sure that he is fully recovered when he returns so that he can be the best version of himself. Of course, the 4x champ has been the Lakers’ best player this season, averaging 25 points and over eight assists. And rushing his return would only increase the risk of re-aggravating his injury.

In his absence, Luka has his outlook clear for the upcoming games, “Luka’s not looking at it like ‘I need to be the guy to take care of everything through this.’ He feels like everybody will be involved in picking up the pieces while LeBron is out.” Yes, the Slovenian star wants the entire squad to share the load and play the great team basketball they have been playing since Luka’s arrival. The same teamwork that has gotten them to the second seed.

Meanwhile, LBJ is still waiting for the final verdict on his injury.

Lakers allowing LeBron James’ injury to “Calm Down” before determining next steps

While the two-week absence is an estimate on James’ return timeline, we will only receive more information once his injury is evaluated completely. But as per McMenamin, “The Lakers training staff is allowing that groin injury of LeBron’s to ‘calm down’ before they go for further evaluation. At that point, they’ll be able to figure out a treatment plan and a recovery schedule, but that hasn’t happened yet.”

As of now, the team’s priority is for LeBron to rest and eventually figure out a way to get him back on the court.

Even JJ Redick revealed that he was “obviously concerned” about LBJ’s health. However, the four-time champion claimed there was “not much concern” as he remained optimistic about his speedy recovery. But the problem is—Bron’s health is not the only issue bothering the LA team. Other stars, including Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura, are also sidelined due to injury woes. That leaves them extremely shorthanded for now.

However, Redick believes that the Lakers will be fine if they just “continue to play hard and play defense.” Of course, they have been one of the best defensive teams since Luka’s arrival. And if they keep playing the same way, they could hold on to that second seed until LeBron and other injured stars return. Do you think Luka Doncic and Co. can do it?