Since Luka Doncic arrived in the Los Angeles Lakers, the team, led by LeBron James, have been on an upward trajectory, currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference with a 46-29 record. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, who acquired Anthony Davis in the blockbuster trade, have struggled with injuries to key players and are fighting for a direct playoff spot with a 37-39 record.
For both teams, the trade forced significant changes. The Lakers previously relied on Davis on both ends of the floor, often running their offense through him. Now, they sometimes play without a true big man. On the other hand, Dallas shifted from having Doncic as the primary playmaker to incorporating a dominant presence in the paint.
No one understands the Lakers’ transition better than LeBron James, who discussed it on the first episode of his podcast Mind the Game with NBA legend Steve Nash. “When you add a blockbuster trade where you bring in a Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis to go to Dallas, whatever. You have to kind of rearrange how we’re playing,” James said.
“So now Dallas goes from being heavy pick and roll to four out. One Big come set it for Luka, you get a roller, you get spreads,” he continued. “You know, when Luka sits down, Kyrie gets the ball, now he does his thing”.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Utah Jazz. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
James explained that with Davis in LA, the strategy was to feed him the ball as much as possible, which also translated to strong defensive performances. “Now you know their team kind of changes, and our team dynamic changes too from we need AD to touch the ball every time down,” he added. “We have to have AD engaged in order for us to be able to win because when AD is engaged offensively, it’s going to work, and then defensively, it makes us even more incredible“.
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Ultimately, James emphasized that for the Lakers’ new system to work, they need to ensure Doncic has the ball in his hands. “So now we have to change our whole thing now,” James said. “Completely different because Luka needs the ball, he has to have the ball. It makes no sense of bringing in Barry Bonds if we’re not going to have him bat cleanup”.
Why LeBron loves playing with Doncic
In his conversation with Nash, James explained that what he appreciates most about playing alongside Doncic is how the Slovenian star embodies the style of basketball LeBron has always tried to inspire in younger generations.
“He plays the game how I’ve always wanted to inspire the next generation to play the game. There’s nothing predetermined; if two guys are on you, it’s a numbers game. If you have the advantage and there’s a guy you can’t guard, or if you’re able to beat him and another defender collapses or sinks, I’m able to make the reads and pass the ball before the play even happens,” LeBron explained.
Doncic makes things easier for LeBron
James also praised Doncic’s ability to simplify the game for his teammates, something LeBron has always valued in great players. He noted that with Doncic on the floor, he doesn’t have to force plays or overextend himself.
“With Luka, his vision and his ability to make the game easier for others is something I’ve always appreciated. Luka doesn’t just see the game in a way that makes his own play easier, but he makes everyone around him better,” James noted.
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“That’s a huge thing for me,” he continued. “I can focus on getting to my spots, and I don’t have to force things. I trust that Luka is going to put me in a position to succeed, and he does that night in and night out”.
