The LA Lakers have a new star after securing an unlikely trade for Luka Doncic.
Luka Doncic’s unpredictable and unfathomable trade to the LA Lakers has set up an exciting new era for the storied franchise.
The Slovenian superstar has been allowed to leave the Dallas Mavericks, in a trade for Anthony Davis among other pieces.
Doncic will play alongside his idol LeBron James, in a move ex-team president Magic Johnson predicts could put the team in title contention.
And contrary to wild speculation, LeBron will be sticking around.
Stephen A. Smith went on First Take to insist LeBron James should demand to be traded to the Golden State Warriors or even the New York Knicks, arguing they would give him a better chance to win the title right now.
It does not appear this will be happening, with Brian Windhorst speaking to ESPN about LeBron James’ plans.
He intends to stick around with the LA Lakers and extend his legacy with the team, handing over the keys to Luka Doncic.
Windhorst said: “LeBron wants to leave the Lakers in a good place. They’ve done right by him, and he wants to do right by them. So if he can do some things over this next season, two seasons, to help Luka get into position, if he can hopefully help him on the court, I think he wants to do that.
“I think if he leaves the Lakers and hands it over to Luka for the next era. I think that is part of being a great Laker. And he wants to be a great Laker.”
ESPN insider Shams Charania, who broke the news of the Doncic trade, also elaborated on the Lakers’ intentions regarding LeBron.
He believes the superstar can help Doncic, amid suggestions the Mavericks had concerns over him.
“The Lakers want LeBron James to be a mentor of sort, develop the right habits, on and off the court, and I think we’re gonna see that play out over the coming weeks, days, years.”
Just days ago, LeBron James led the Lakers to a stunning win at the New York Knicks with a 33-11-12 triple double.
He did this without Anthony Davis’ help, due to his injury. And it showed that still at the age of 40, he can turn it on.
Add a healthy Doncic to the mix, and the Lakers could really be dangerous, even if Charles Barkley believes they cannot play together.
LeBron’s professionalism is famed, and a highly motivated Doncic will be determined show the best version of himself alongside him.
While Doncic, 25, will outlast LeBron, their partnership could be a joy to watch while we can.
