LeBron James Reflects on Blockbuster Trade: A New Era for the Lakers

LeBron James Reflects on Blockbuster Trade: A New Era for the Lakers

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team that thrives on star power, and the latest addition to their roster is no exception. When LeBron James took his seat on the bench during the first quarter of Tuesday’s 122-97 win over the Clippers, he was joined by a new superstar teammate. The spot once occupied by Anthony Davis now had Luka Doncic sitting beside him, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Lakers.

The NBA’s ever-turning wheel of talent has brought Doncic to Los Angeles in a trade that has sent ripples throughout the league. Initially, the three-team trade involving the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz seemed like a “hoax” to many, including James himself. But as the dust settles, the reality of not having Davis by his side after six seasons is starting to sink in for the Lakers’ veteran leader.

“It still pretty much didn’t seem real until I saw Luka today and I saw a clip of AD at the Dallas shootaround,” James shared after the game. “That’s when it finally hit me, like, ‘Oh s—, this is real.'”

James’ first public comments about the trade came from the Lakers locker room at Intuit Dome, signaling his acceptance of the new reality. “If I had concerns about it, I’d waive my no-trade clause and get up out of here,” he stated. “I’m here right now. I’m committed to the Lakers organization.”

As a leader and captain, James sees it as his responsibility to ensure a smooth transition for the new acquisitions. He recounted the moment he first heard about the trade during a late-night dinner after the Lakers’ victory over the New York Knicks. The news of the Lakers trading Davis, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a future first-round pick for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris was initially met with disbelief.

“My emotions were all over the place, obviously,” James admitted. “We had just come off a big win. A huge win in the Garden. I was out with my family at dinner and got the news and the first time I heard it, I thought it was for sure fake. I thought it was a hoax, people messing around or whatever. But then when AD called me, AD FaceTimed me and I talked to him for quite a while, and even when I got off the phone with him, it still didn’t seem real.”

The video call with Davis was a poignant moment for James. “It was definitely a weird, uncomfortable, truth moment for us. Just knowing that he was going to be gone, that was very, very difficult. Very challenging. I can see how in shock he was, obviously. And he probably saw it from my face, as well.”

The trade marks the first time in history that two current All-NBA players were swapped midseason, a move that initially caught James off guard. However, he understands the business side of basketball. “It was shocking when I heard the news, but at the end of the day, I understand the business of basketball,” he said. “But I didn’t make the decision.”

James and Davis had an undeniable chemistry, winning a championship together in their first season in 2019-20. While some speculate about potential positional overlaps between James and Doncic, James dismisses these concerns. “[We can be] whatever we want it to be,” he said. “It won’t take long. I can play with anybody, and I think he can, as well. So, we’ll work well together.”

Even James’ former coach, Tyronn Lue of the Clippers, believes the pairing will work. “I don’t see it’s going to be a problem at all,” Lue commented. “[Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] will do a good job of staggering those guys, kind of like we did with Kyrie [Irving] and LeBron for three quarters and then close games together.”

• The Lakers are currently causing problems for their opponents, with wins in nine of their past 11 games.
• They are just a game behind the No. 4 Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings.
• Doncic is “trending towards” making his Lakers debut on Saturday against the visiting Indiana Pacers.

“Luka’s been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” James said. “I think you guys know that. And I’ve always just tried to play the game the right way and inspire the next generation. And Luka happens to be one of them. And now, we’re teammates. So, it’ll be a very seamless transition.”