LeBron James Gave Luka Doncic His Spot In The Lakers' Pre-Game Introductions

Days following the most shocking trade in NBA history, LeBron James is doing everything that he can to make things comfortable for his new superstar teammate. According to Luka, the King called ahead of tip-off to offer him his spot in the pre-game intros.

“He texted me in the morning and he said 'Whatever you want.' For him to say something like that just feels amazing,” Doncic said. “It shows what kind of person he is. He let me have my moment and I really appreciate it. It gives me confidence. And after that speech, it was chills. I was just happy to be a part of it.”

The Lakers are still adjusting to life after the Luka Doncic trade, but LeBron James has been supportive through the entire process. His first gesture (after a few welcome posts on social media) was allowing Doncic to take his place in the pre-game introductions but, according to Luka, it may not be a permanent arrangement.

"For today he can let me be this one, but from now he will be the last one," said Doncic in response to James.

It's a longstanding tradition and a sign of respect for the team's most established and accomplished star to get announced last in the opening pre-game introductions. As a 4x champion, 4x MVP, and 21x All-Star, James is arguably most worthy of the honor.

After the Doncic trade, however, Luka has now taken center stage LeBron has let him know in more ways than one that the Lakers are his team now. During the huddle before the game, LeBron was even heard telling Doncic to "stand out" rather than to try and fit in with the team.

This is more than LeBron did with his previous teammates, including Anthony Davis and former Cavaliers big man Kevin Love, who couldn't help but take notice of Luka's VIP treatment.

At 40 years old, LeBron James has no interest in starting over with a new team but now he can embrace fading into the background as Luka Doncic takes control.

Of course, it was still LeBron who led the Lakers to victory on Monday. With Doncic getting acclimated to his new surroundings (14 points on 35.7% shooting), it's going to take some time before he's in his peak form again. In the meantime, LeBron will work to keep the Lakers afloat and to ensure that Doncic has a smooth transition.

But the future belongs to Luka now and LeBron knows that as much as anyone. As the guy to lead the team for the next 10+ years, it's important that Doncic feels comfortable and is equipped to play to the best of his ability.

Despite his resume and long list of achievements, LeBron James is doing everything he can to make Luka happy and he's willing to take a backseat to let the Slovenian superstar do his thing.

So far, Doncic looks happy with his new teammates but there's still a long process before he's fully integrated into the Lakers roster. Over the next few days and weeks, it'll be interesting to see Doncic adjust his game and find the perfect role for this particular group.