ESPN's LeBron James insider hints at possible previous Luka Doncic team-up: Report
In the middle of playoff intensity, there's still speculation about LeBron James's future with the LA Lakers. Whether he remains in Los Angeles or takes his talents elsewhere, ESPN's Brian Windhorst again provided an interesting scoop, that LBJ and Luka Doncic once could have teamed up.
In terms of playing style, some have drawn similarities between the Lakers superstar and the Mavericks guard. With their ability to attack defensive blitzes and sharp decision-making, they are regarded as elite playmakers favoring a heliocentric offense.
When asked if he'd rule out LeBron James going to the Dallas Mavericks, Windhorst, who has a reputation as a LeBron insider, said:
"Ya, I would," Windhorst said. "But I think he loves Luka. I think there was a time when he was very interested in making a partnership with Luka. ... I think Luka has his superstar running mate right now, and I don't think the Mavericks should touch anything."
Since the opportunity for LeBron James to band together with Luka Doncic in Dallas has long passed, it is now part of the what-if situations in the NBA. A superstar tandem of that caliber would easily rival some of the most elite duos in today's league.
As Doncic now has a quality running mate in eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, Dallas is just one win away from the 2024 NBA Finals.
LeBron James talked about what he loves about the Dallas Mavericks superstar
In an episode of HBO's "The Shop," LeBron James had high praise for Luka Doncic and how he can dominate the court on a nightly basis.
"His size. I mean he's gigantic," James said. "A 6-(foot)-8 point guard. He's 225 pounds. He has the ball on a string. And more importantly, his vision. That's why I love him."
Along with Doncic's decision-making skills, the Mavericks superstar has garnered tremendous praise for his ability to attack opposing defenses at a high level since he first arrived in the NBA in 2018.
Either through his elite shotmaking ability or his impeccable vision to set up his teammates, Luka Doncic has effectively showcased his high basketball IQ.
To be an effective playmaker is not an easy skill to learn in the NBA, considering the various defensive coverages thrown at elite players. However, LeBron James is aware of how Doncic effortlessly does it while not having the best-supporting cast of players in past seasons.
It is a position that the four-time MVP is aware of from his earlier seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.