LeBron James has strongly denied a report from NBA insider Bill Reiter, who claimed that James was frustrated with teammate Anthony Davis, which reportedly played a role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade Davis.
Reiter, speaking on CBS Sports, mentioned that there had been talk within the Lakers organization that James had grown increasingly frustrated with Davis. He said, “I have not been able to reach every source you would like to because this is a breaking news story. I’m going to tell you something that was true a year ago, but I think it’s pertinent now… At the time there was talk within the Lakers organization that LeBron James had grown a little frustrated with Anthony Davis.”
While Reiter clarified that the frustration didn’t directly translate into Davis being traded, he noted that LeBron had high expectations for Davis, which led to his frustration. Reiter also emphasized, “LeBron had very, very high expectations. And you fast forward a year later, obviously that information from Lakers’ sources was accurate. This was probably a slow boil.”
In response, James wasted no time dismissing the claims. He tweeted, “You a fkn lie!!! 🤥🤡,” categorically denying any tension between him and Davis.
Further elaborating on the situation, Reiter explained that while there was no immediate talk of a trade, LeBron’s approval was necessary for such a major move to take place. “There is zero percent chance this trade happens without at a minimum his approval,” Reiter said.
This report comes on the heels of a blockbuster trade that saw the Lakers acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Davis, along with Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and two second-round picks in the deal.
Shams Charania reported that the trade “materialized in the shadows,” with both LeBron and Davis unaware of the trade until it was finalized. The Lakers’ decision to acquire Doncic came after internal discussions, with the franchise seeing Doncic as a potential long-term cornerstone.
Doncic, currently sidelined due to a calf injury, is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season. His arrival in Los Angeles brings an elite offensive skill set that will pair well with LeBron James.
Meanwhile, Dallas bolsters its defense by adding Davis, who is averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season. The Mavericks see this as a win-now move to strengthen their championship aspirations.
The Lakers, now sitting at 28-19, and the Mavericks, at 26-23, will both need to adjust to their new rosters as they continue their push toward the playoffs.
For Los Angeles, the acquisition of Doncic signals a long-term vision, but also puts significant pressure on the Lakers to keep the 25-year-old happy and healthy. The partnership between Doncic and LeBron will be a storyline to follow closely in the coming months.
Dallas, on the other hand, strengthens its offensive firepower by adding Davis, who provides the necessary defensive balance alongside the team’s offensive stars like Kyrie Irving.
The Utah Jazz, acting as a facilitator in the trade, acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks as part of their strategy to gather young assets.
This trade has drastically altered the Western Conference landscape, with both teams facing new challenges and opportunities. The NBA world will closely follow how this major move impacts the rest of the season.
