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Lakers News: LeBron James Jealousy Over Luka Doncic Debunked By Ex-Laker 7 Feb 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers News: LeBron James Jealousy Over Luka Doncic Debunked By Ex-Laker

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 8:09 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has expressed his excitement over getting to work with Luka Doncic under the same team, even prior to the former Dallas Mavericks star making his debut as a Laker. Even in Doncic’s first game with LeBron, the two apparently have the potential to discover a better rhythm around each other. However, some fans are arguing that the veteran is actually resentful towards the young point guard. For one former Laker, that seems very unlikely.

In his appearance on “Run It Back,” former Laker Lou Williams shut down allegations saying LeBron James is secretly resentful of his new teammate Luka Doncic.

“LeBron James was ecstatic to the point of warming up in the Luka Doncic giveaway shirt,” Williams said. “Usually, LeBron goes last when lineups are announced. Luka went last. This is a full-on embrace.”

. @TeamLou23 isn’t buying that LeBron resents his new Lakers teammate

“LeBron James was ecstatic to the point of warming up in the Luka Dončić giveaway shirt. … Usually LeBron goes last when lineups are announced. Luka went last. This is a full on embrace…I’m calling… pic.twitter.com/Kp0WhnYkfG

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 11, 2025

“I’m calling cap.”

Lou Williams played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2015-2016 and part of the 2016-2017 NBA seasons, until he was traded mid-season to the Houston Rockets.

In his statement prior to Doncic’s debut with the Lakers, LeBron James admitted that Luka “has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” and that he expects the entrance of the new teammate to be “a very seamless transition.”

Is LeBron James’ “Fit Out” message a Kevin Love Reference?

While the “don’t fit in, fit the f*** out” advice was evidently a heartwarming interaction between LeBron James and Luka Doncic, some fans could not help but notice the parallel between LeBron’s statement now to one of his statements during his days with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and how his advice to Doncic could be in reference to his old conflict with former teammate Kevin Love.

Lakers News: LeBron James Jealousy Over Luka Doncic Debunked By Ex-Laker 8 Mar 25, 2018; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) and center Kevin Love (0) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The conflict between LeBron and Love began in the 2014-2015 season when the Cavs acquired Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves to form a “Big Three” with LeBron and Kyrie Irving. However, the transition wasn’t smooth, and LeBron publicly criticized Love for not fitting in with the team.

JJ Redick Shares 1 LeBron James Observation After Huge Luka Doncic Trade 1 Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In a tweet, LeBron wrote, “Stop trying to fit out and just fit in”, which deeply hurt Love. Love struggled with his role on the team and even experienced a panic attack during a game in November 20142. Despite the rocky start, Love eventually found his place and became a key contributor to the Cavaliers, and was a significant part of the team’s 2016 championship.