LeBron James ‘had no idea’ Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade was in the works
Apparently, LeBron James was just as shocked about the Lakers trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis as the rest of us.
On Saturday night, in a move that no one saw coming, the Lakers reportedly traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic as part of a three-team deal.
The trade sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape and even LeBron James was unaware that such a deal was in the works.
LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 2, 2025
You might have raised an eyebrow at LeBron's lack of knowledge about this deal, but keep in mind that no NBA insiders even hinted at the possibility of AD or Doncic being on the move.
Most rumors revolved around the possibility of the Lakers adding a center and Davis himself suggested it just a week ago.
Perhaps this all happened so fast that giving a heads-up to even the franchise players involved was an impossibility.
“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.”@ShamsCharania on the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade between the Lakers and Mavericks pic.twitter.com/Hp4bL3UX2M
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
Considering how closely vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has worked with LeBron James — and Anthony Davis, for that matter — in the past on roster decisions, leaving them in the dark here is a surprise, certainly.
If none of LeBron, AD or Luka knew of the trade happening, then it lends further credence to the notion that this deal came together quickly. Regardless of how fast it happened, it certainly came together in complete secrecy, which is quite the accomplishment from the two front offices.
Now, AD will leave the Lakers after six seasons in a purple and gold uniform, including a championship during the 2020 season. And in comes Luka, who is one of the stars of the league and gives the Lakers their face of the franchise moving forward.
What’s clear is the Lakers have certainly made a splash and given LeBron a new superstar to work with as he pushes for one more title run at age 40.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.