LeBron James has played alongside some of the most talented players in NBA history, from Dwyane Wade to Kyrie Irving to Anthony Davis. But now, at 40 years old, he’s about to share the floor with someone he’s long admired from afar: Luka Dončić.
The Los Angeles Lakers recently acquired Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks that sent shockwaves through the league. The dynamic pairing of James and Dončić instantly makes the Lakers one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA. James has openly expressed his admiration for Dončić over the years, so it’s somewhat surreal for the two to finally be teammates.
LeBron James Opens Up About Playing With Luka Dončić
After the trade became official, James spoke about teaming up with Dončić, offering a glimpse into how he envisions their partnership working.
“It’s kind of hard to digest what it’s going to look like on the floor,” James admitted. “Two selfless competitors who love seeing the success of our teammates.”
However, he gave some high praise to his new running mate.
“Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” James added.
Lakers’ LeBron James on playing with Luka Doncic: “It’s kind of hard to digest what it’s going to look like on the floor. Two selfless competitors who love seeing the success of our teammates. Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for awhile now.” pic.twitter.com/aBg19mtwlO
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 5, 2025
It’s a rare and powerful statement from one all-time great to another.
James has been vocal about his appreciation for Dončić’s game since the young star entered the league in 2018.
Now, they will share the floor while playing in the NBA’s biggest market. While there’s plenty of excitement about the dynamic duo, there are also some questions about how the pairing will co-exist since they are both ball-dominant creators.
Both James and Dončić thrive with the ball in their hands, orchestrating the offense and dictating the tempo. While James has proven he can adapt — having successfully played alongside Irving, Wade, and Russell Westbrook — Dončić has never shared the floor with a player quite like LeBron.
There will be an adjustment period, but if their shared vision and playmaking instincts translate, this pairing could be devastating for opponents. With two of the best passers in the league operating together, the Lakers’ offense could reach a new level of efficiency.
The Blockbuster Trade of the Decade?
The trade itself was as bold as it was shocking.
The Mavericks sent Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined in, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks in the deal.
For the Lakers, this move signals an aggressive push to maximize LeBron’s championship window. Meanwhile, Dallas takes a major gamble by parting with their franchise cornerstone in favor of a new duo built around Davis and Irving.
The NBA landscape has officially changed, and all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if LeBron and Luka can turn their mutual admiration into a championship-winning partnership.
