LeBron James deserves kudos for welcoming Luka Doncic with open arms

LeBron James has gone above and beyond to make Luka Doncic feel welcome in Los Angeles. 

Ahead of Doncic's Lakers debut, James ensured the Slovenian was the last to be introduced in the starting lineup, a spot usually reserved for him. According to Doncic, James texted him and said, "Whatever you want" to ensure the latter could have his moment in the sun.

The pleasantries didn't stop there. James sported the No. 77 jersey in his pregame warmup routine and gave Doncic a fiery pep talk minutes before tipoff.  

"Luka, be your [expletive] self," James told Doncic in the huddle. "Don't fit in, fit the [expletive] out. Be yourself."

Doncic thanked James for his kind gestures, admitting he was "nervous" before his maiden game as a Laker, which many dubbed the most-anticipated debut for a sports star in recent years. The 25-year-old explained why James' speech calmed his nerves. 

"It's special for him to say something like that," Doncic said of James' pregame speech. "It just feels amazing and gives me confidence. After that speech, it was chills, so I was just happy to be part of it." 

Doncic also expressed gratitude for James giving him his spot in the lineup introductions. 

"It shows what kind what kind of person he is," Doncic said of James. "He let me have my moment, so I really appreciate it."

When the Lakers made the blockbuster deal to acquire Doncic, there were rumblings of James possibly seeking a trade, considering his closeness with the departing Anthony Davis. The opposite has happened thus far, with James doing everything within his power to welcome Doncic to the fold. 

The 40-year-old deserves praise for doing right by the Lakers and supporting their decision, even if it hurts his pursuit of a fifth NBA championship. Despite the Lakers' recent hot run — 10 wins in 11 games — it's fair to suggest that the team had a better shot at the title with Davis manning the paint and giving James a familiar co-star. 

In Davis' exit, the Lakers sacrificed defense, size and a shot at immediate success, but set themselves up for the next 10 years. The altered course could have triggered a James exit, and nobody would have blamed him. 

Another theory doing the rounds is James feels indebted to the Lakers for drafting Bronny James and fulfilling his dream of playing with his firstborn. Regardless of the underlying story, James has proved to be a tremendous asset for the Lakers by passing the torch to Doncic in the most graceful manner imaginable.