Doncic, 25, has established himself as one of the NBA's brightest stars, earning All-Star honors for the past five consecutive seasons and finishing as the league's top scorer in 2024. LeBron expressed his excitement about teaming up with the Slovenian sensation.
"It's going to be special," James said. "We're going to attract a lot of attention. Luka is an exceptional player. At just 25, he hasn't even hit his prime yet, and he's already accomplished remarkable feats in the league. I'm thrilled to have him on the team, and LA is just as excited. Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal."
James made these comments following the Lakers' commanding 122-97 victory over the LA Clippers on Tuesday night. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) played a pivotal role in the win, recording 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, showcasing his enduring excellence on the court.
Doncic, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since December, watched the game from the sidelines alongside his new Lakers teammates. Despite not being able to play, his presence generated significant buzz among fans and players alike.
Before the game, Doncic shared his thoughts on the unexpected trade, revealing his surprise at the move to Los Angeles.
"You can imagine how shocked I was," Doncic admitted. "I had to double-check the news to see if it was an April Fools' joke. I honestly couldn't believe it at first."
The Lakers are eagerly anticipating Doncic's debut, which is expected to take place later this month once he has fully recovered from his injury. His arrival has already sparked high expectations, with fans and analysts eager to see how he will mesh with LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers' roster.
