LeBron James eager to link up with Luka Doncic after Lakers trade
LeBron James says he is excited to team up with Luka Doncic at the Los Angeles Lakers following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic was officially introduced as a Lakers player on Tuesday, days after the stunning deal that shook the NBA. Speaking after leading the Lakers to a 122-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, James admitted he was still adjusting to the move.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” James said. “It’s been challenging for sure, you know, especially for me. I had six years with AD, won a championship with my guy, one of my best friends, obviously.
“But you know it’s a business, and you understand that. It’s the business of basketball. We understand that.”
James, however, is eager to form a new partnership with Doncic, who watched Tuesday’s victory from the sidelines.
“It’s going to be special,” James said. “We’re gonna attract a lot of eyes.
“Obviously our ability to score, rebound and pass — it’s gonna make it a lot easier on our teammates, and that’s all we want to do.
“We want to be able to create opportunities for our teammates where they only have to catch, finish, catch dunk, catch shoot, and it’s our job to lead them every single night.
“Listen, Luka is a big-time player — 25-years-old, hasn’t even reached his prime yet, and he’s done some amazing stuff in our league already.
“I’m happy to have him. And LA is happy to have him. It’s still a little bit surreal, to be honest.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said earlier Tuesday that Doncic, sidelined since December 25 with a calf injury, could make his debut soon. Reports suggest he may return against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
(Source: AFP)
