Shams: Lakers Insiders Feel Luka Doncic is 'Very LeBron James-esque' as Teammate
The Los Angeles Lakers’ surprising acquisition of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks back on February 1, 2025, has sparked discussions across the NBA community. Insiders have noted how quickly Dončić is earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, “They’ve been impressed with how he’s been able to learn about his teammates on the fly,” adding, “They feel like he’s really LeBron James-esque in the way he’s tried to get to know his teammates. He wants to make them Better.”
The 25-year-old guard’s move to Los Angeles was not without controversy. The Mavericks decided to send Dončić packing, swapping him for Anthony Davis, as part of what turned out to be a pivotal three-team trade. This decision stemmed from frustrations surrounding perceived discipline issues, with the Mavericks reportedly wanting to clean house after Dončić’s weight ballooned to the high 260s during the season.
Dončić has since demonstrated his commitment to fitness and practice routine. “He has been putting in daily work on the court and in the weight room,” noted Charania, pointing out Dončić’s intensive training regimen, even traveling to Cabo to work with Lakers coach Scott Brooks during the All-Star break.
Though Dončić played only 22 games before his trade, he has begun making waves by adapting to the Lakers way of life. Through his first three games with the Lakers, he averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Yet, he faced the challenge of adjusting to the team's systems.
The transition has been closely followed by NBA fans and analysts alike, who were enthralled by the moving narrative of loyalty within the Mavericks’ organization. Dirk Nowitzki, who retired after 21 seasons with the Mavericks and served as Dončić’s mentor, expressed his feelings toward the shocking trade. “When I heard about the trade, I was really sad for Luka—really disappointed,” Nowitzki shared during his appearance on Dallas radio station 96.7 The Ticket.
Notably, the Mavericks’ trade was seen as breaking with the tradition of loyalty personified by Nowitzki's own career. Historically, Nowitzki and Dončić seemed to share a bond—a lineage passed from one European superstar to another. Yet this sense of connection felt shattered following the trade. “It was surreal, honestly, to see Luka in [a Lakers] jersey,” Nowitzki reflected. He had even attended Dončić’s Lakers debut to show his support, watching the game at Crypto.com Arena from the stands.
Dončić's reaction to the trade was also emotional, as he felt blindsided, believing he would spend his entire NBA career with the Mavericks. “I was so far away... I was just trying to process something,” he recalled about being on vacation when learning about the deal. “I spent over an hour just staring at my phone, trying to make sure it was real.”
The ramifications of the trade reach far beyond personal emotions. Playing for the Lakers is a dream for many, one realized now by Dončić. The star has showed excitement about his new role, saying, “I’m happy to be here, man. This is one of the greatest clubs in the world.” And he appears determined to adapt quickly, acknowledging the work needed—even if it takes time.
Teaming up with another prominent superstar like LeBron James has provided its own set of challenges. The duo’s adjustment—the blend of Dončić’s playstyle and James’ proven leadership—has become key to the Lakers’ plans going forward. James remarked on the need for patience during the transitional phase, discussing how “He still doesn’t know all the plays, he doesn’t know all of the defensive coverages,” after Dončić’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Acknowledging Dončić was still regaining form from injury, James noted, “So we’re all working through it together.”
Dončić’s elevation to the Lakers signifies not just the hope of winning championships but also the continuation of greatness with one of the most storied franchises. While he missed the recent All-Star Game to take time for himself after the whirlwind change, he expressed eagerness to return to the court. “Honestly, I was taking my mind off basketball for a bit,” he stated, expressing how he felt the weight of adjustment but still looked forward to showcasing his talents.
With the Lakers aiming to leverage Dončić's talents for success, the basketball world watches closely. Meanwhile, Doncic contemplates and integrates his new identity within the NBA’s most recognizable team, striving to pave his legacy with the franchise of legends.