LeBron James is relishing the prospect of joining forces with Luka Doncic at the Los Angeles Lakers following the shock deal that stunned the basketball world.
Doncic was formally unveiled by the Lakers yesterday after a jaw-dropping trade from the Dallas Mavericks that saw Anthony Davis head the opposite direction.
James was only informed of the Doncic trade late on Saturday, and admitted he was still coming to terms with the news.
"It's been a whirlwind," James said after leading the Lakers to a 122-97 drubbing of the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I had six years with [Davis], won a championship with my guy, one of my best friends.
"It's the business of basketball. We understand that."
James admitted that the thought of forming a potent double act alongside Doncic excited him.
"It's going to be special," James said. "We're gonna attract a lot of eyes.
"Obviously our ability to score, rebound and pass - it's gonna make it a lot easier on our teammates, and that's all we want to do create opportunities for our teammates where they only have to catch, finish, catch dunk, catch shoot, and it's our job to lead them every single night.
"Luka is a big-time player - 25-years-old, hasn't even reached his prime yet, and he's done some amazing stuff in our league already.
"I'm happy to have him. And LA is happy to have him."
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said that Doncic, who has not played since December 25 after suffering a calf injury, could make his debut soon.
US reports have suggested Doncic may be fit to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday (HK time).
Doncic said the prospect of playing alongside James for arguably the NBA's most iconic franchise represented a "dream come true."
Asked if he felt he had something to prove, Doncic said: "To win the championship. You don't come here for anything else. I have everything left to prove and the goal is to win the championship."
Pelinka said Doncic's arrival signaled a new era for the club, describing the trade as a landmark moment in NBA. "I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history," Pelinka said. "We have a 25-year-old global superstar that's going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Luka Doncic joins LeBron James on the bench for the game against the Clippers after his unveiling as a Los Angeles Lakers player. AP, REUTERS
