The Los Angeles Lakers shocked not simply the collective basketball world, however their very own staff and gamers, once they pulled off a blockbuster commerce for Luka Doncic. Nearly no person knew that this deal was taking place till it was reported, together with legendary ahead LeBron James. Nonetheless, that is a notion that former Laker Matt Barnes is not shopping for.
Los Angeles saved their negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks hermetic with a purpose to forestall any outdoors voices from influencing their choices. That allegedly included James, however Barnes would not really suppose that was the case, citing his involvement within the decision-making of the varied groups he has been with all through his profession.
“A commerce of this magnitude and LeBron being who he’s, and he’s all the time been so instrumental in no matter staff he’s with, clearly with simply trigger, to having a say on what occurs. So I simply don’t see one thing this huge taking place with out Bron understanding, however hey, he might’ve not identified,” Barnes mentioned on his “All The Smoke” podcast.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic set to staff up on Lakers
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No matter whether or not James knew about this deal beforehand, he is now set to staff up with Doncic as soon as he returns from a calf harm that has sidelined him since Christmas day. By 22 video games this 12 months, Doncic is averaging 28.1 factors, 8.3 rebounds, and seven.8 assists per recreation on 46.4% taking pictures from the ground, with L.A. hoping he can take them to new ranges not simply this 12 months, however for a lot of seasons to come back.
The shock of this commerce, which despatched James’ longtime Lakers teammate Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, hasn’t actually worn off but, which isn’t surprising given the size of this deal. When it does, although, Los Angeles will probably be run by a tantalizing pairing in James and Doncic, and followers will probably be hoping that this duo may also help the staff reemerge as a high contender within the Western Convention.