Fans and media members are still picking their jaws off the floor after hearing about Saturday night’s league-breaking NBA trade: The Los Angeles Lakers sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.
The fallout has so many layers to it that it’s tough to even figure out what to examine first, but one huge aspect of this trade is the future of LeBron James, which one analyst shared has already been altered due to the deal.
Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes recently shared that LeBron intends to remain a Laker past the February 6th trade deadline following the trade.
Sources: LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Lakers past the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and the relationships behind the blockbuster Luka-AD deal. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/X7H7eQE347 pic.twitter.com/uMTEMUYbDX
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025
Any thought of James being traded seemed unfathomable, as it has never been considered a legitimate possibility at any point in his career.
Haynes discussed how Mavs general manager Nico Harrison used to represent Anthony Davis at Nike and has coveted him for years, which certainly factored into how swiftly this trade came together.
The fit between LeBron and Luka together doesn’t seem as sensible on paper as the one between LeBron and AD, but this was a no-brainer trade, and any issues that arise from this potential fit simply have to be taken as collateral damage in order to land a player of Luka’s caliber.
Haynes discussed how the Lakers felt it was important to find the team’s next superstar to prep for whenever LeBron decides to retire, and there is no question they just did that.
NEXT: Analyst Rips Mavericks For Luka Doncic Trade
