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.
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.
Ultimately, James emphasized that for the Lakers’ new system to work, they need to ensure Doncic has the ball in his hands.
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.
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
