When Shams Charania announced Anthony Davis was being traded, the NBA community was in shock. So was his teammate LeBron James, who apparently found out while having dinner with his family. However, some have found that hard to believe. They can’t piece together how the Lakers could make such a huge roster move without confronting James first. AD has heard these conversations. But he doesn’t mind. For him, their relationship matters more.
When you speak about star teammates, nobody played more years besides LeBron James than AD. The star tandem represented the Lakers’ championship hopes each season. So whether James was involved in trading him or not “At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when [ESPN’s] Shams (Charana) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This s**t happened,” said The Brow.
Because of the bond they formed and the experiences they had with the Lakers, Davis values their friendship more than the “business”. As far as LeBron James has spoken, even he accepted being shocked. “I have seen it all up until this one. I have never been a part of one transaction like that. That was different,” the Akron Hammer said in his first comments after the trade.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, and forward Anthony Davis during pregame ceremonies before a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Being on different teams has led to some distancing. Of course, by profession, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are now rivals. Yet AD doesn’t think talking less is going to hurt their brotherhood.
“We’ve been really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t talk hang like we used to just because of the teams and stuff. But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out,” Davis told Andscape in an exclusive interview. The Lakers did play the Mavericks. Davis was out injured then. So the two are yet to stand face-to-face as opponents.
When that happens for the first time, maybe it will help both of them fully come to terms with what has happened. For now, they are both professionals and are focused on helping their teams make a push. But no matter what happens, their friendship won’t be affected.
LeBron James will offer his help to the Lakers again
LeBron James and Anthony Davis might remain solid as rocks when it comes to their relationship outside the court. They may not talk as much. However, the one thing everybody could be talking about very soon is James’ future with LA. King James has an option to opt out of his $50.6 million player option for next season.
And according to league sources, the 40-year-old will choose to opt out of his contract as per Clutch Points. So is James planning to leave the Lakers and join another roster? On the contrary, he will opt out to bolster the Lakers’ championship odds when the next season arrives. It’s the same thing he was willing to do when Davis was still with the Lakers.
During free agency, a number of tempting players were linked to the Lakers. According to several reports, LeBron James held on signing his extension until the Lakers make a decision. If they could successfully lure a great puzzle piece, the billionaire was willing to take a pay cut to accommodate them alongside himself and Davis.
James is now willing to do the same for Luka Doncic. According to ClutchPoints, if the Lakers do have an impactful player on their radar, LeBron James will take less money “allowing Los Angeles to add more talent around him and Luka Doncic”. The free agent market is said to be packed with a plethora of talent next season.
With James again extending massive help, it’s up to the Pelinka and the Lakers to make an extreme splash and improving their teams’ placement within the league. It failed the first time around. Do you think the Purple and Gold will succeed next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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