The blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić has not only reshaped the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster but also signals a potential shift in the team’s long-term strategy.
Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron James has been the focal point of every team he has played for. The Lakers, too, have consistently prioritized building a championship contender around his talents. Leading up to the trade deadline, expectations were that the Lakers would assess their roster and make strategic moves to bolster their chances of contending for a championship in the immediate future.
However, the decision to acquire Dončić represents a significant departure from this approach. By trading for the 25-year-old superstar, the Lakers have effectively transitioned from a team built around LeBron James to one centered around Dončić.
Los Angeles Lakers Hope LeBron James Will Mentor Doncic

The Lakers’ decision to acquire Dončić has undoubtedly raised questions about LeBron James’s future with the franchise. As the trade deadline approached, speculation arose regarding the possibility of James seeking a move to a different team. In the LA Times, Dan Woike shared what he has heard from within the Lakers building on that subject.
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“According to people familiar with the Lakers’ thinking not authorized to speak publicly, the team has little to no fear that James will want to leave via a trade this season,” Woike wrote. “He can opt out of his contract that’s set to pay him more than $52 million next summer and become an unrestricted free agent, but that’s not an immediate concern for the Lakers.
The Lakers are hopeful that James can not only pair with Doncic in the short term but can also provide an example to the young star when it comes to the type of physical commitment it takes to sustain availability and greatness.
James has another big reason to stay in Los Angeles, the place where he’s said he hopes to finish his career.”
While James controls his destiny in terms of trade, playing with his son, Bronny, has been an important legacy landmark James has wanted to add. This is a complicating factor if James was to demand out of LA.