LeBron James has made it clear how highly he values his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Luka Doncic, praising both his skill and his mindset on the court.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, James said of the Slovenian star: “I just love the way he approaches the game. I love the way he plays the game. More importantly, man, he’s just a great f—ing guy.”
James, now entering his 23rd NBA season, described Doncic as a “big-time savant of the game.” He emphasized that the 26-year-old’s ability to think the game sets him apart, noting, “There are so many guys in our league who can play the game, but to be able to think the game as well puts you at another level.”
The duo became teammates in February after a blockbuster trade sent Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks. The deal shocked the league, marking the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were swapped midseason.
For Doncic, the trade paired him with the player he grew up idolizing. The partnership offered the Lakers a dynamic playmaking duo, with James still performing at an elite level at 40 years old and Doncic in his prime years as one of the league’s most dominant offensive engines.
After recovering from a calf injury, Doncic made his Lakers debut on February 10 against the Utah Jazz. He went on to post several standout performances, including a triple-double against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, and a 45-point game in his emotional return to Dallas in April.
Despite the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Doncic averaged 30.2 points per game in the series. His ability to deliver under pressure only strengthened his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier postseason performers.
James’ endorsement further highlights the respect Doncic has earned across the league. The five-time All-Star holds career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 450 regular-season games, along with 30.9 points per game in the playoffs.
For James, the admiration goes beyond numbers. “I always use IQ as a measuring point in basketball—guys who can think the game,” he said. “That’s what makes Luka special.”
