The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off arguably one of the biggest trades in NBA history. The Lakers just acquired Luka Doncic in a three-team deal, which would see him team up with LeBron James in what would be a dangerous offense for any opposition. Shams Charania broke the internet with the news, announcing that the Lakers have sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick in the 2029 NBA Draft for Luka, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
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The deal also involves the Utah Jazz. While the details of this blockbuster trade will continue to come out in the next few days, it was revealed by Dave McMenamin of ESPN that LeBron had no idea about the developing situation involving Davis, Doncic and the others. However, Kevin Garnett begs to differ.
The NBA legend took to his Instagram to call out LBJ for lying. He wrote, “Bron lyyyyyyyyyynnn. Of course he knew.. had to sign off on it.. simple!! NBA biz.”
KG calls out LeBron James pic.twitter.com/17qi1jQlJH
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) February 2, 2025
Since the trade news came out, fans have been speculating that LeBron must’ve played a role in acquiring Luka. However, McMenamin had a different story in his report.
He stated that LBJ was out for dinner with his family after the win against the New York Knicks. ESPN sources close to LBJ revealed that the superstar was surprised to find out about the trade and was taking his time to process it. This is even though LeBron is said to have been dreaming of playing alongside Doncic at the Lakers.
LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 2, 2025
The reason why it is difficult to believe for KG and fans is because LeBron has a lot of pull in LA and is known for his involvement in major decisions, often dictating them. But looking at some other early reports regarding this trade, it’s possible that King James really had no idea what the Lakers front office had in store.
As per Brett Siegel, the trade came together in the last few hours and the teams involved rushed to finalize it. Because of the sudden nature, not a lot of voices were involved in making it happen.
Early word on all of this:
Apparently a rift had been forming between Anthony Davis and Lakers management, especially after his sit-down interview with ESPN.
This trade JUST came together in the last few hours with nobody around the league knowing about it.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 2, 2025
Siegel also reported that “a rift had been forming between Anthony Davis and Lakers management, especially after his sit-down interview with ESPN.” This led to the Lakers being willing to trade the 10-time All-Star.
As per Charania, it was the Mavericks who approached the Lakers, offering Luka, who didn’t know what was going on behind the scenes either.
