The Los Angeles Lakers jumped at the chance to acquire Luka Doncic in a stunning blockbuster with the Mavericks. Nobody saw it coming, including Lakers star LeBron James. It is what made the deal so shocking to the entire sports world. Getting a 25-year-old superstar in his prime was too good to pass up.
The trade had fans wondering what was next. The Lakers traded away Anthony Davis and left themselves extremely thin at the five. They still have one first-round draft pick to trade, but can LA build an immediate contender around Doncic and James?
Fans were also worried King James may look for an exit strategy after the blockbuster deal. There were rumors of his interest in playing with Stephen Curry in Golden State last season. LeBron committed to the Lakers in the offseason, but this trade clearly changed things. Was James still onboard? Fans have their answer if the latest rumors are true.
LeBron James rumored to be committed to Lakers after Luka Doncic trade
Chris Haynes reported LeBron plans to remain in purple and gold through the deadline. He was shocked by the trade but has long admired Luka’s game from afar. Now, the two will form one of the best duos in the NBA. Doncic gives LeBron a serious shot at contention. He just led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and has still not reached his prime.
Sources: LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Lakers past the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and the relationships behind the blockbuster Luka-AD deal. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/X7H7eQE347 pic.twitter.com/uMTEMUYbDX
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025
James has roots in LA. He moved his entire family there and convinced the Lakers to draft his son. It should come as no shock he plans to leave the franchise. The trade improves the long-term prospects of the franchise and should have James excited for the present and future.
LeBron still holds all the cards. If he wants out, the Lakers will trade him. It does him zero harm to see how this partnership with Doncic works in the short term. Los Angeles is in the playoff hunt and should remain competitive after adding one of the best players in the world.
LeBron wants to end his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise only improved those odds with this trade. Luka Doncic is the ball-handler the franchise has searched for to take pressure off James. Everything is lining up nicely and should keep LeBron happy as he continues to chase GOAT status.
Lakers fans can breathe a sigh of relief. LeBron James plans to stay, and the franchise just traded for a superstar. The excitement should only build from here.