Feb 26, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks over the weekend sent shockwaves through the NBA. The deal was reportedly done in secret, without the knowledge of Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, or LeBron James. In fact, Doncic revealed that he found out about it when he was about to go to bed on Saturday night.
Little over 48 hours later, Doncic faced the media for the first time as a Laker. He revealed what went down in the ensuing days after the trade. One of the tidbits he provided was the fact that LeBron reached out to him immediately following the deal, per Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell.
Luka on LeBron’s message to him: “He called me right away. He was in New York, so he called me right away. We didn’t talk much, because he said ‘I understand what you’re feeling,’ but it was really nice of him to call me right away and welcome me to LA.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 4, 2025
Luka Doncic: LeBron James Called Me Immediately
Doncic relayed the conversation he had with James. Admitting that they didn’t talk much, the 25-year-old superstar said that LeBron welcomed him to Los Angeles and told him he understood what he was feeling. The former Maverick said he appreciated LeBron reaching out even though he was in New York for the Lakers game.
LeBron and Doncic will surely make a fascinating duo on the court. Both players have spoken of their admiration for one another, Luka admitting that he always looked up to LeBron and his game. They are two of the best passers and pick-and-roll operators the league has ever seen and how they fit one another on the court will be beautiful to watch.
When they will share the court for the first time remains to be seen. Doncic is nursing a calf injury and is listed as “day-to-day.” Head coach JJ Redick would love to see them in action together before the All-Star break next week, but whether that will be possible is currently unclear.