Luka Dončić move to the Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA. Carmelo Anthony shared his thoughts on the Brooklyn podcast, highlighting how LeBron James has embraced this new dynamic.
LeBron and Luka’s Growing Partnership
Anthony discussed Dončić’s arrival in Los Angeles and how LeBron enjoys their growing partnership.
“I’ve never seen LeBron this happy while playing,” Anthony said. “This is now a defensive team with Luka.”
Role Reversal: Luka Takes Over
According to Anthony, Dončić has taken over LeBron’s former role, allowing James to adapt.
“The roles have flipped. LeBron is playing more like Anthony Davis, and Luka has taken LeBron’s spot,” Anthony explained. “James now just runs the court. Many of his past teammates weren’t willing to put in the work. Luka took control of the ball, and for the first time, LeBron is comfortable handing it off and letting someone else run the game.”
Dončić’s Connection with Lakers Fans
Lakers fans have quickly embraced Dončić, similar to his connection with Mavericks supporters. Leaving Dallas wasn’t easy for the Slovenian star, but he’s adjusting. Though he won’t be Dirk Nowitzki’s full heir in Texas, he’s carving his own path in L.A. The Lakers recently secured a 136-115 victory, further cementing their dominance.
Dončić’s Standout Performance Against the Pelicans
Dončić shined in the first quarter against the Pelicans, sinking three three-pointers and energizing the crowd. Fans chanted his name, fueling his confidence for a standout performance.
LeBron James Makes NBA History
Meanwhile, LeBron James made history by becoming the first NBA player to surpass 50,000 career points, including playoffs. In that game, Dončić recorded 30 points, eight rebounds, and 15 assists, while James finished with 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
James reached 49,999 points after scoring 17 in the Lakers’ 108-102 win over the Clippers, marking their sixth straight victory.
LeBron’s Longevity and Dominance
At 40, James remains the league’s all-time leading scorer in both regular-season and playoff categories. Unlike most players in their late 30s, he continues to dominate. Earlier this week, he was named Western Conference Player of the Month, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in February. The Lakers went 9-2, climbing to second place in the Western Conference.
Lakers’ Winning Streak
The team entered this game on a six-game winning streak, having defeated Portland, Denver, Dallas, Minnesota, and the Clippers twice. Now, they’ve added the Pelicans to the list.
About The Author
