One of the biggest trades in recent NBA history sent shockwaves through the league, with Luka Doncic leaving the Dallas Mavericks for the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis heading to Dallas. For the first time since the blockbuster move, Davis addressed how he has maintained relationships with his former teammates, including LeBron James.
In a recent interview with Marc Spears of Andscape, Davis was asked about his relationship with James, now that they play for different teams. He also reacted to speculation that LeBron knew about the trade before it happened.
“Ain’t no change for me. It’s a business. People are saying that [James] knew [about the trade] because of the Marcus Morris quote that came out. [James] is saying he didn’t. At this point, whether he knew or not, or whoever knew, it doesn’t matter. This happened,” Davis said.
“You can’t change it. It’s not like, ‘Oh, [James] didn’t know, let’s go back.’ There’s no going back. As far as our leadership, obviously, we were on the same team, so we talked all the time. But now, [the Lakers] are trying to make a push, we’re trying to make a push, so we don’t talk as much. But we still check in on each other.” Despite being on different teams, Davis emphasized that his relationship with LeBron remains strong.
Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers point down court after a turnover in their game against the Sacramento Kings.
“He texts me all the time. [James’ chief of staff] Randy [Mims] hits me up. Actually, both of them just reached out. Vando [Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt] did too. We still talk to those guys. I’ve been with [James] for six-and-a-half years. We’re really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t hang out like we used to just because of our schedules. But I’m sure we’ll get together this summer and figure it out.”
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Davis Reflects on Injury Setback
Davis has yet to make a full return to the court since the NBA trade. In his Mavericks debut, he was unable to finish the game due to an abdominal injury, which has sidelined him ever since. In the interview, he opened up about the difficulties of dealing with the injury.
“When it first happened, I heard a pop. But I thought I had just popped my hips out of place or something—I don’t [expletive] know. It was my first game playing, and I didn’t think it was anything serious. I actually tried to come back into the game and even went to the practice court to run. But I couldn’t.”
“As the night went on, it got stiffer. I thought, ‘Alright, maybe it’s just a strain or something.’ But the next morning, I woke up, and it was swollen. I couldn’t move my leg. If I was lying down, I couldn’t sit up. I couldn’t lift my leg or even roll over in bed. That’s when I knew something was really [expletive] wrong, and I needed an MRI.”
Davis reveals the moment when he realized injury was significant
Davis then recalled the moment he realized the injury was significant. “I got the MRI. I was in my hotel room with my family when [my trainer] came in with his little notebook. I’ve been with him for 13 years, so I already knew what time it was. I just looked at him and said, ‘When do I need surgery?’”
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However, after consulting with medical experts, the decision was made to avoid surgery. “We talked to the team doctor, got opinions from other doctors, and they all agreed that it was a nonsurgical injury. No need to go under the knife if you don’t have to.” As Davis continues his recovery, Dallas hopes to have him back on the court soon to make a playoff push without Kyrie Irving and the rest of the Mavericks.
