LeBron James breaks silence on infamous Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade

When the Dallas Mavericks traded away Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, the entire basketball landscape was taken aback, including the one and only LeBron James. 

Per ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne and Brian Windhorst, James wasn’t given much notice prior to the trade. However, the lack of notice was forgiven by James in the best interest of the team.

“They did not give him significant notice that they were trading Davis for Doncic -- a transgression James forgave,” they wrote “Because of his respect for Doncic and understanding of the franchise's reasoning for making the trade and keeping it under wraps for as long as possible.“

Doncic was traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers in a stunning move in February. He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Mavericks, and averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game while making five All-NBA teams over that span. 

Windhorst and Shelbourne say that this treatment of James by the Lakers has signaled a shift towards Doncic for the future, which James has responded to accordingly.

Earlier this offseason, James exercised his $52.6 million player option for next season. James’ agent Rich Paul explained the decision to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” Paul said. “He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.”

What makes James picking up his option so important, is that it marks the first time his in career in which he is an expiring contract, marking a potential end to his Lakers tenure, and possibly his career. 

Nonetheless, Doncic and James will play on the Lakers together for at least one more season, giving the pair another chance at an NBA title.