Will the Los Angeles Lakers’ massive trade for Luka Doncic impact LeBron James’ future with the franchise? Not in the short-term, it appears.
James still has no intention of waiving his no-trade clause after the Lakers traded close friend Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic. James is said to be “surprised” by the trade, but understands it as a “business decision” and is open to playing with Doncic.
In addition, James is not expected to opt out of his $52.7 million player option for next season, nor does he intend to pursue a trade. James does understand that, with his own retirement looming in the next several years, the Lakers must set themselves up for a future beyond him.
James was more concerned about Davis’ emotions following the trade than his own, and a source told Vardon that everyone is “good” and understands the business side of the game. That is still at odds with reports that James had grown frustrated with Davis, a claim that James publicly ripped just after the trade was made.
James has plenty of reason to be excited about playing alongside Doncic. For now, it does appear that partnership will last into next season unless James shockingly retires at the end of the current one, which does not seem likely.
