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Doncic, James clutch roles 'will go both ways' after Hornets defeat

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1 daysBasketball

Luka Doncic believes his and LeBron James' clutch roles "will go both ways" for the Los Angeles Lakers, following their defeat by the Charlotte Hornets.

The Lakers were beaten 100-97 at Crypto.com Arena, after James missed two game-tying three-points in the dying seconds.

There were question marks over why Doncic did not take the final shot. However, the five-time NBA All-Star insists his and the four-time MVP's roles are interchangable.

"He had it going, so obviously we're going to go to him," Doncic said. "I think it will go both ways. One time, it's going to be him, one time me. So, I think it depends on how the game is going."

Doncic - recently traded from the Dallas Mavericks - was playing only his third game since Christmas after a calf injury, while James was playing through the pain barrier with an ankle problem that recently ruled him out of the All-Star game.

And both players called for patience as they look to build their fitness levels and understanding of each other.

"Obviously, it's going to take a little time," Doncic added. "Today, a lot of rustiness for my part. [I] started the game with like four or five turnovers. That can't happen. So, [I've] just got to play basketball the right way."

James added: "[Luka] still doesn't know all the plays. He doesn't know all the defensive coverages, all the signals and things that we've built since September.

"So, obviously, we're trying to fast-track it on the fly. He's coming back from his injury. He's getting back into form. So, we're all working through it together."