The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks in what was one of the most hyped regular season clashes of the season. Everyone knows that Luka Doncic returned to Dallas for the first time since they traded him, but it was also the first time Anthony Davis faced off against his former Laker teammates since he was sent to Dallas for Luka.
The Davis aspect of this trade is often lost on fans, given Luka is the better player, but he was a crucial part of a championship in LA and is still loved by many of his former teammates. He was seen speaking to some after the game but noticeably had no interaction with LeBron James.
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1910152027713544609
Videos might not tell the whole truth. Davis and LeBron were close friends during their time as teammates as well, so it could be that they want to meet where the cameras can’t see them. After all, Davis was allegedly at dinner with LeBron in New York when he found out he was being traded to Dallas.
The reason why fans are suspicious of their relationship falling apart since the trade are some media quotes given by Davis. The big man has repeatedly stated he doesn’t believe his trade negotiations were as secretive as everyone has made it out to be, with fans assuming he’s talking about LeBron.
“Everybody’s saying nobody knew and all this other sh*t. I just don’t believe it. But, hey man, I’m past that. I’m ready to move forward with Dallas, try to get a championship there with these guys.”
Lakers’ Governor Jeanie Buss went out of her way to say publicly that LeBron played no role in the trade to acquire Doncic for Davis. Nonetheless, she’s been blasted as a liar as well, with Stephen A. Smith questioning her assertion as well as former NBA player Marcus Morris Sr. casting doubt over it.
Anthony Davis recently addressed all these rumors and claimed that his relationship with LeBron and other Lakers is as strong as it’s ever been, with all of them likely meeting up over the summer.
“Ain’t no change for me. It’s a business. People are saying that [James] knew [of the trade] because of the Marcus Morris [quote saying James knew] that comes out. [James] is saying he don’t. At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when Shams (Charana) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This sh*t happened.”
“You can’t change like, ‘Oh, [James] didn’t know, well let’s change it.’ It’s no going back… But we still check in on each other. He texts me all the time. [James’ chief of staff] Randy [Mims] hit me. Actually, they both just hit me. Vando [Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt] did. We still talk to those guys. I’ve been with [James] the longest, six-and-a-half years. We’ve been really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t talk hang like we used to just because of the teams and stuff. But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out.”
Davis put up 13 points (5-13 FG), 11 rebounds, and six assists in the loss. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 8 games since joining the Mavericks.
