Luka Doncic's Comments on LeBron James Resurface After Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Feb 2, 2025 2:34 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers' impressive win over the New York Knicks on Saturday night quickly took a backseat to some jaw-dropping news that sent shockwaves through the NBA world after the game.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and Mavericks GM Nico Harrison finalized a blockbuster trade, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas in exchange for superstar guard Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.

The deal also included the Utah Jazz as a third team and had players reacting in real time with astonishment. ESPN's Shams Charania was first to confirm that the trade was legitimate and set to go through, with Davis waiving his trade kicker to make his intentions very clear that going to Dallas was a move he was in support of.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old legend LeBron James, fresh off a triple-double performance against the Knicks, was reportedly out to dinner when the trade was announced.

LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 2, 2025

He had no prior knowledge of the deal, though he’s long praised Doncic’s game. The feeling is clearly mutual, as Doncic has expressed his admiration for James as well, with a statement from 2018 recently resurfacing following the trade.

"He's like my idol." Doncic said in 2018 about James.

Luka finally gets to play with his idol, LeBron pic.twitter.com/HAoVJOJk5U
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025

At just 25 years old, Doncic is now seen as the centerpiece for the Lakers’ future. While the immediate goal remains to chase an NBA championship with James still in Los Angeles, Doncic is the foundation for what the organization hopes to build in the post-James era, which he has made clear is approaching sooner rather than later.

The Lakers are currently 28-19 overall and hold the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Doncic is expected to make his return to the floor around or shortly after the All-Star Break as he continues to ramp up his rehab from the calf injury that’s kept him sidelined for several weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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