In a surprising turn of events, LeBron James has publicly addressed the recent trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. Speaking after a dinner following the Knicks game, James shared his thoughts on the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied the trade, which occurred only an hour after the Lakers’ game concluded.

Reflecting on his six-year partnership with Davis, James expressed the deep bond they formed during their tenure together, which included a championship victory. “Anytime I lose a friend and a teammate like AD, it’s challenging,” he admitted. However, he quickly acknowledged the business nature of the NBA, stating, “We understand that it’s a business.”

James also shared his excitement regarding Doncic joining the Lakers. He noted that the young star, who ranks third all-time in points per game, has the potential to elevate the team’s performance. “Luka is a big-time player, only 25 years old, and he hasn’t even reached his prime yet,” James remarked. He emphasized the opportunity for the duo to create a potent scoring and playmaking dynamic, which could significantly ease the roles of their teammates.

Looking forward, LeBron hinted at his intention to mentor Doncic during his time in Los Angeles, indicating he may sign an extension to remain with the team. “It’s going to be special,” James said about the prospect of playing alongside Doncic. He underscored the importance of creating opportunities for teammates, allowing them to focus on finishing plays without the burden of creating their own shots.

As the Lakers adapt to this new chapter, LeBron James remains optimistic about the future, both for himself and for the franchise, as they prepare to welcome Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.