The Los Angeles Lakers found new life in the final stretch of the playoff series, thanks to a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. With the playoffs approaching, the pairing of LeBron James and Luca Doncic sparked a fresh dynamic that’s quickly turned the game in a new direction.
Lebron went on to highlight Doncic’s leadership, comparing him to legends like Steven Ash and Chris Paul. James admires how Luka inspires confidence in his teammates, an underrated trait that turns good teams into great ones.
James opened up on the Mind The Game podcast about what makes Doncic a unique talent. “He plays the game how I’ve always wanted to inspire the next generation to play the game,” James said. He praised Doncic’s ability to read the floor instinctively and make decisions based on the flow of the games, calling it a rare grit. “It’s always his pace… He’s never been on the floor where he’s allowed someone to dictate where they will put him on the floor.” He added.
“It’s always his pace… He’s never ever been on the floor where he’s allowed someone to dictate where they’re gonna put him on the floor.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 1, 2025
LeBron James breaks down Luka Doncic’s game and what makes him so special for the Lakers 🙌
(via @mindthegamepod)
pic.twitter.com/PPdPIZOPyM
Lebron James sees Luka Doncic as more than just a star. He considers his teammate a true leader. Doncic’s ability to lift those around him makes a real difference for the Lakers. Even though they ended their current NBA season, Doncic’s impacable contribution could lead them to another definition of basketball in the upcoming seasons.
Luka Doncic Opens Up to LeBron James About His First Impression On the Los Angeles Lakers
It’s been four months since the trade that shocked the NBA world, Luka Doncic’s move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. While the backlash hit the Mavericks hard, they coped by landing the No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg. The Lakers, meanwhile, began reshaping their roster around Doncic and LeBron James.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Doncic admitted the trade was not easy at first. But when James asked how he was adjusting, basketball was not the first thing he answered with. “I like the beach.”, Doncic said with a laugh on the Mind the Game podcast. “This is the first city I’ve played in that has an ocean. I like the sea.”
Doncic is still settling into his role with the Lakers, but he’s enjoying life with this franchise. While his basketball skills are still developing, he feels happy off the court. For the Lakers, that comfort could help him shine even more next season.
Also Read: Lakers Superstar LeBron James Reflects On His Unconventional Path To NBA Greatness
