While the Los Angeles Lakers had already taken steps to hand the proverbial torch to star guard Luka Dončić, LeBron James‘ departure for Philadelphia earlier this month made it clear who will be leading the way on the court. Player-organized offseason minicamps have long been a thing in the NBA, and Dončić will reportedly host one of his own for his Lakers teammates next month.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dončić will host his teammates in his native Slovenia over four days in August. In addition to on-court work, they’re expected to get in some golf, check out the sights and do some bonding ahead of training camp, which opens in late September.
Despite injuries to Dončić and fellow guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers managed to eliminate Houston in the first round of the playoffs before being swept by Oklahoma City. And the on-court time could prove beneficial to JJ Redick’s team, which has undergone many changes this offseason.
In addition to James, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard have moved on. Among the new arrivals are Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and first-round pick Cameron Carr.
Kessler’s addition via sign-and-trade with Utah was the most important for the Lakers, given Ayton’s inconsistency last season. While he was limited to five games last season due to a torn labrum, Kessler can offer the lob threat and rim protection that the Lakers have been seeking at the center position since acquiring Dončić from the Mavericks.
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