LeBron James Embraces Back‑to‑Backs; Luka Doncic Powers Lakers

Merlin sees LeBron, now 40, willing to suit up on back-to-backs, but Los Angeles plans to “build him up,” coach JJ Redick said — a careful approach after James missed the first 14 games with right-side sciatica and was recently out for foot management. It matters because the Lakers are protecting a veteran cornerstone while riding a red-hot Luka Dončić (35.1 PPG) and a 14-4 start despite LeBron appearing in just four games. Merlin notes the strategy: keep LeBron around 30+ minutes, tilt his role toward playmaking (16.5 PPG, 8.3 APG early) and slowly increase back-to-back exposure. If the Lakers ramp him smartly, they preserve playoff upside; push too hard and the season could bend toward re-injury and missed continuity.