LeBron James breaks silence on Anthony Davis trade after Lakers’ early playoff exit

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, saw their 2025 postseason run come to a grinding halt following a hard-fought loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. With the elimination came a wave of scrutiny—focused not only on the defeat itself, but on the roster decisions that led them there. One of the most debated moves remains the mid-season trade of Anthony Davis, a deal that continues to raise questions inside and outside the organization.

In a blockbuster exchange, the Lakers dealt Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in return for Luka Doncic, aiming to pair the Slovenian star with LeBron James in a win-now scenario. But as the playoffs unfolded, the cost of losing a defensive anchor in the paint became painfully obvious.

Facing off against a dominant Rudy Gobert, who torched Los Angeles for 27 points and 24 rebounds in the elimination game, the Lakers simply had no answer near the rim.

LeBron’s subtle swipe hits home

Following the defeat, LeBron James was asked directly what it was like to compete down the stretch without a true center. His answer was brief, pointed, and loaded with subtext.

“No comment. I never say that because my guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week. I’ve got no comment. I put that uniform on every night and gave everything I had and that’s all that matters.” Lebron said.

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The response, delivered with a half-smile, seemed to underscore lingering frustration. Just a week before he was traded, Davis publicly stated he wanted to return to his natural power forward role and hoped the team would bring in a center. Instead, he was dealt shortly after, and the Lakers were left to finish the season lacking size and physicality inside.

A season of regret or a stepping stone?

While Doncic brought offensive flair and elite playmaking to the Lakers, the absence of a defensive presence in the post became a structural weakness the team could not overcome.

As the Lakers enter another pivotal offseason, LeBron’s future with the franchise remains uncertain. Yet one thing is clear: the decision to move on from Anthony Davis will continue to cast a long shadow over this failed playoff push.