On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers took a 116-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic was the main storyline heading into the matchup, as the six-time All-Star was facing his former team on the road.
Last year, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. It was the first time in NBA history that two All-NBA Team players were traded for each other during the midseason.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has made a serious case for MVP honors. This season, he is averaging 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over 36 games.
Lakers teammate LeBron James spoke to reporters about Doncic’s return to Dallas. The four-time NBA champion alluded to the idea that Doncic has taken the reins as Los Angeles’ franchise star.
“The biggest thing this year is that he’s more comfortable… Understanding the system, understanding the city, the city embracing him. Understanding that this is his team. We’re all rallying around him. We know it’s an emotional and big game when you come back and play your former team. He showed who he is tonight.”
LeBron James’ Future in Los Angeles
When James first signed with the Lakers back in 2018, he was the reigning runner-up for the Most Valuable Player award and an All-NBA First Team selection. As one of the league’s top superstars, he led Los Angeles to an NBA championship in 2020.
While still productive at averages of 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 rebounds per game, the 41-year-old James is toward the end of his career. It is in the best interest of the Lakers to build around the 26-year-old Doncic for the future.
Additionally, a report from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes suggested that there is friction between James and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. Buss reportedly “privately grumbled” about James’ “outsized ego” and the power Klutch Sports tried to enact over the Lakers.
James is currently in the second year of a two-year, $101 million contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Whether or not James decides to re-sign with the Lakers, it is clear that Doncic will be the franchise’s priority moving forward.
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