Luka Doncic, LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to reshape their identity around Luka Doncic, and the results have followed quickly. With LeBron James playing some of his most efficient basketball of the season, the Lakers have leaned fully into a partnership that places Doncic at the center of everything they do. That approach has not only fueled a three-game win streak, but it has also sparked a broader conversation about how championship habits get built.
After a recent win over the Pelicans, James made it clear that the hierarchy in Los Angeles is settled. He stressed that Doncic does not need to adjust his game to accommodate anyone, per ESPN. Instead, the responsibility falls on the roster around him to adapt, read the floor, and capitalize on the defensive attention Doncic commands.
That mindset, according to Rich Paul, is exactly how championship environments are formed.
Rich Paul Breaks Down LeBron’s Influence on Luka
Paul discussed the Lakers’ dynamic during an appearance on the Game Over, alongside Max Kellerman. His point centered on what has not happened with Doncic. There has been no effort to lecture him about how to win a championship or walk him through the experience in theory.
Rich Paul says LeBron at age 26 didn’t have somebody in his locker room who could teach him how to be a champion the way Luka can learn from LeBron 🧐
“Luka hasn’t won a championship yet but there also hasn’t been talk of ‘let’s help you understand what it’s like or how to win a… https://t.co/siC1a5oV9u pic.twitter.com/sv04jRG9NS
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 7, 2026
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Paul explained that everything should revolve around the people placed around a young star in the locker room. His message focused on environment over instruction. When Kellerman pointed to the influence LeBron James can have, Paul immediately leaned into that idea, saying that is exactly what matters.
Paul also offered a comparison that framed the situation clearly. When James was 26, there was no version of LeBron sitting next to him showing what championship preparation looked like on a daily basis. James had to become that standard on his own. Doncic, by contrast, now shares the floor and the locker room with a player who has already navigated every stage of the postseason.
That proximity, Paul suggested, accelerates growth without the need for speeches or formal lessons.
Lakers Lean Into a Championship Blueprint
The Lakers have embraced a “bend around Luka” philosophy, and James has reinforced it publicly and privately. He has praised Doncic’s ability as a shotmaker and playmaker, noting how defenses load up on him and create opportunities for everyone else. James has also acknowledged that he and Doncic must set the tone together, especially with the team missing key rotation players.
Doncic has echoed that sentiment. He credited James for consistently putting teammates in the right spots and playing with elite efficiency. He also pointed to their chemistry improving with each game, a sign that the partnership continues to evolve naturally.
The numbers back it up. James and Doncic have both topped 30 points in two of the Lakers’ last three games, including the recent win over New Orleans. During the current streak, James has averaged close to 30 points while shooting well above 50 percent, a sharp turnaround from his early-season struggles after missing time with sciatica.
For the Lakers, the formula feels intentional. There is no attempt to rush Doncic’s development or overexplain what winning looks like. Instead, they have placed a proven champion next to him and allowed standards to transfer through daily work, shared responsibility, and trust.
Paul’s comments underscored that belief. Championships are not taught, they are absorbed. For Luka Doncic, having LeBron James beside him may be the clearest path yet toward reaching that level.