Luka Doncic trade: LeBron James relishing partnership at LA Lakers after thinking Anthony Davis trade was ‘a hoax’
LeBron James is relishing linking up with Luka Donic at the LA Lakers – after initially thinking the Slovenian’s trade with Anthony Davis was a “hoax”.
Doncic, an NBA All-Star for the past five seasons, arrived at the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks last week, with Davis heading in the opposite direction in a stunning move.
James and Davis had been team-mates for the last six years, winning the NBA title in 2020, but the 40-year-old said losing his friend had not made him consider his Lakers future.
Doncic joined the the Lakers in a shock move, with Anthony Davis heading in the opposite direction
James said of the shock turn of events: “I thought it was a hoax, people messing around or whatever.
“When AD [Davis] FaceTimed me and I talked to him for quite a while, even when I got off the phone with him, it still didn’t seem real.
“It was definitely a weird, uncomfortable, truth moment for us. Just knowing that he was going to be gone, that was very difficult. Very challenging.
“It still pretty much didn’t seem real until I saw Luka today and I saw a clip of AD at the Dallas shootaround. That’s when it finally hit me, like, ‘Oh ****, this is real.
LeBron on Doncic: ‘I can play with anybody and I think he can as well. So we’ll work well together’
“If I had concerns about it, I’d waive my no-trade clause and get up out of here. I’m here right now. I’m committed to the Lakers organisation.
“As the leader of the team, as one of the captains of the team, it’s my job to make it as seamless as possible [for the new acquisitions].”
LeBron: Luka has been my favourite player for a while
On his on-court relationship with Doncic, the NBA’s top scorer in 2024, James added: “[We can be] whatever we want it to be. It won’t take long. I can play with anybody and I think he can as well. So we’ll work well together.”
The Lakers expect Doncic to make his debut later in February after a calf injury
“Luka’s been my favourite player in the NBA for a while now. I think you guys know that.
“I’ve always just tried to play the game the right way and inspire the next generation. Luka happens to be one of them. Now we’re team-mates so it’ll be a very seamless transition.
“It’s going to be special. We’re going to attract a lot of eyes.
“Luka is a big-time player. [He’s] 25-years-old, hasn’t even reached his prime yet and he’s done some amazing stuff in our league already.
“I’m happy to have him and LA is happy to have him. It’s still a little bit surreal, to be honest.”
