LeBron James Breaks Silence on Lakers’ Blockbuster Trade for Luka Doncic
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers weathered an emotional storm on Tuesday but still managed to produce a dominating 122-97 win over the Clippers at Intuit Dome. News of the night wasn’t so much about the win but about the fact that they had their newest star sitting on the bench for the first time: Luka Doncic.
LeBron James reminisced about this historic trade with a hint of disbelief that they had made at first.
“Saturday, I was all over the place. We had come off a huge win at Madison Square Garden and I was taking my family to dinner when we first heard of it. Thought it was just a hoax and fake.
It wasn’t until James received a FaceTime call from teammate Anthony Davis that the reality of the situation truly set in. Even then, the 40-year-old superstar struggled to process the trade.
“I’ve seen a lot in my career, but never something like this,” James said. “I’ve never been part of a trade like this—it was different.”
However, James was solid, scoring 26 points with nine assists and eight rebounds in 31 minutes. He acknowledged that seeing Doncic in a Lakers jersey for the first time made it all feel a little more real.
Austin Reaves said that it’s not easy to lose teammates but turned to the elder statesmen such as James for guidance.
“It’s tough when you build relationships with guys and suddenly they’re gone,” Reaves said. “I’ve been asking LeBron about how he’s handled situations like this throughout his career.”
James remains committed to leading the team and ensuring Doncic’s smooth transition.
However much time may have passed before Doncic gets to debut for the Lakers, his championship ambitions are still intact.
The goal is to win the championship,” Doncic said. “You don’t come here for anything else. I still have everything left to prove.”
James and Doncic spent much of the night talking intensely, even giggling on the bench at one point.
“I’m really excited to be here,” Doncic said. “Not everyone gets to play for the Lakers. So many legends have played here, winning so many championships—it’s pretty special.
If Doncic brings another title to Los Angeles, it will be the Lakers’ 18th, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history.
Doncic didn’t play against the Clippers, and though he might take the court before the NBA All-Star break, the Lakers are playing it safe. General Manager Rob Pelinka confirmed that Doncic will be listed as day-to-day and will work with the team’s medical staff before making his official debut.
As part of the deal, the Lakers acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Kleber is currently sidelined by a right ankle injury; he was photographed walking on crutches and is due for an update in eight weeks. Morris was available for the game against the Clippers but had no activity.
Head coach JJ Redick referenced the loss of two of its key defenders to the bench Saturday night in advance of what looms as changes to the rotation.
Jaxson Hayes centered in place of Davis, going for six points, six rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes, but his own future role isn’t set.
Pelinka acknowledged the Lakers’ need for a quality big man but admitted that an immediate solution may not be available before the trade deadline.
“The market for bigs right now is very dry,” Pelinka said. “We’ll look at options, but a major move in that position is more likely in the offseason.”
The Lakers are reportedly connected with several centers such as Robert Williams III of Trail Blazers, Jonas Valan iūnas of Wizards, and Walker Kessler of Jazz.
“We still have work to do,” Pelinka added. “Our goal is to build a roster that fits JJ Redick’s vision for this team.”
For now, Lakers fans anxiously wait for Doncic’s debut and the next step of the team in its bid for another championship.
