In February, the Los Angeles Lakers surprised the basketball world by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. As part of the deal, the Lakers shipped out Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Davis was crucial to the Lakers’ success and helped them win a title in 2020. As for Christie, he was coming into his own and was in the midst of a career season at the time of the trade. While getting Doncic was a no-brainer, it was tough for them to move on from Davis. So much so, that according to some reports, there were a few members of the Lakers organization who feared that LeBron James would want out.
According to BasketNews.com, there was legitimate worry that James would seek a departure from the Lakers after trading Davis.
“I don’t know how much of a worry it was at like the top level of the organization, in terms of the Jeanie-Rob level, but I know in talking to lower level people there in the immediate aftermath of the trade and the situation, there was a sense,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic said on his podcast. “There’s no way LeBron knew [about the trade]. And doing a trade of this magnitude and not giving him the heads up… He’s always been ‘the guy’ since he entered the league,” Buha went on to say. “It’s not that teams have run every decision by him, but something this big — trading AD and essentially reshaping the franchise — you’d expect him to get heads up. “Given his contract situation and Klutch [Sports] potentially losing influence with AD’s departure, some thought it could potentially lead to him asking out or at least exploring that option. Obviously, that did not happen.”
Ultimately, this never happened. Additionally, James and Doncic are seemingly gelling into their own and will have an opportunity to continue their development during the playoffs.
Lakers Feared This LeBron James Decision After Blockbuster Move
LeBron James Considered Anthony Davis One of His Best Friends
During his return to Los Angeles as a member of the Mavericks, the Lakers gave Davis a video tribute. After the game, James spoke about the tribute and Davis’ impact on him. In doing so, he made it clear that Davis is one of his best friends and that he appreciated him having that moment.
“What AD was for this franchise and what AD did for this franchise from the moment we got him, to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, to the All-Star nods, to winning the first inaugural in-season tournament… obviously, our friendship goes without saying. He’s one of my best friends, and it was great to see him get that recognition and have that moment.” James said.
After suffering an adductor injury during his Mavericks debut, Davis has not suited up again. However, there is belief that he will make his return soon. If he does, he may have an opportunity to go up against his old team this season. The Mavericks and Lakers meet up one more time this season on April 9. If Davis returns, this will be a must-watch game.
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