"It didn't affect our team" - Anthony Davis surprised by LeBron James' reported trade links to Golden State Warriors last season
Anthony Davis was surprised when he heard about the reports of LeBron James being linked to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. Davis explained how it affected him and the LA Lakers locker room for the rest of the season.
The Lakers would make the playoffs but lose to the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
Speaking to reporters before Tuesday's preseason game against Golden State, Davis was asked about the Warriors' inquiry on James teaming up with Steph Curry. AD was surprised when the news hit, but it didn't negatively affect the team.
"I wasn't on social media at the time, so I didn't see (it)," Davis said, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "I heard about it. How did I hear about that? I don't even remember.
"I mean, it was f**king national news, I can't remember how I exactly heard about it. I think maybe my dad called me, something like that."
The one-time NBA champ added:
"But I don't think it affected anybody. I mean, I think that might be the first time ever that he's been in trade talks in his career. He's kind of seen everything, so I don't think that affected him.
"That didn't affect our team, but it was definitely strange to hear in the sense of like, the first time he's ever been talked about in a trade before, you know what I'm saying? But it didn't happen, so …"
LeBron James has played with multiple teams in his career but has never been traded.
James always used free agency to move from one team to another, joining the Miami Heat in 2010 before returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014. He then signed with the LA Lakers in 2018 and has been there ever since.
LeBron James on what it was like to team up with Steph Curry at the Olympics
In an interview with ESPN on Monday, LeBron James explained what it was like to play with Steph Curry in the Olympics. "King James" plans to cherish the memory forever since he's unsure if he'll be able to team with Curry again.
"It was everything and more," James said. "I was super excited to be able to finally team up with him in a win-or-die type atmosphere. That's what it was, being a part of the Olympics.
"It was everything that I dreamed of and aspired to want to be a part of that team, along with Steph. Great memories, something that I'll remember from my basketball career for the rest of my life, for sure."
There's a chance that James and Curry could play again, although it will only be at the All-Star Game. It could also happen if one or the other demands a trade out of the LA Lakers or Golden State Warriors.