As new details and reactions emerge from the Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis trade, Lakers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka made his first public comments since pulling off a stunning move late Saturday night.
Yes, it really happened. Welcome to Los Angeles, Luka. pic.twitter.com/XdlZZ5IfNo
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2025
Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Comments on Luka Doncic Trade
Pelinka: Doncic Will Lead LA “For Years to Come”
Pelinka and the Lakers put out a press release Sunday morning formally announcing their new acquisitions. In addition to welcoming Doncic and Maxi Kleber and reuniting with Markieff Morris, Pelinka expressed gratitude toward Davis, Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
“We are overwhelmingly thankful for AD’s six seasons with the Lakers, where he led our franchise to a championship and cemented himself as a perennial NBA All-Star. We are proud of Max Christie’s development as a Laker as he has grown into an impact 3-and-D player and we are appreciative of the work Jalen Hood-Schifino has put in to show professionalism at every level. Sports are about transformative moments. We are inspired by these moments Lakers fans know, expect and love with a franchise that continually ushers in new eras of greatness.
“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come. His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”
Lakers Shut Down LeBron Trade Rumors
Following the arrival of Doncic, who will eventually shepherd the Lakers into a post-LeBron James era, reports confirmed that James will still don the purple and gold long after the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
“League sources inform me that LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers past the February 6th trade deadline,” Yahoo! Sports insider Chris Haynes said. “I was told the Lakers were very appreciative of the professionalism displayed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and LeBron James. They felt like those two made this process a seamless process, and they appreciate them for their efforts.”
Sources: LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Lakers past the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and the relationships behind the blockbuster Luka-AD deal. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/X7H7eQE347 pic.twitter.com/uMTEMUYbDX
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025
The confirmation of James’s loyalty to the Lakers is significant. The Warriors had tried and failed to land him at last year’s deadline, prompting similar discussion around James’s standing with the franchise. With Davis out of the picture, it was important for LeBron and the Lakers to shut down any speculation about The King’s future in LA.
LeBron Has “Dreamed” of Playing Next to Luka
Although James unexpectedly parted with an elite teammate, he joins a star he has “dreamed” of sharing the court with for years, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“LeBron has dreamed of playing with Luka Doncic for years. This is something he never thought but badly, badly wanted,” Windhorst said on SportsCenter’s SC@Night. “When Luka was deciding where he was going to go within Nike, LeBron pressed him very hard to come to his shoe brand … he was trying to recruit him then, he saw a vision of them playing together.”
Windhorst added that the LeBron-Luka connection was so strong that Kyrie Irving used it to try and lure James to Dallas this past offseason. How the tables have turned.
As is the case many times in Los Angeles, James gets his wish—even though he was blindsided by the move in the first place. The Lakers will embark on this new era in short order, with Doncic previously targeting a Feb. 8 return date and the team hoping he can suit up prior to the All-Star break. The latest chance for the Lakers to fulfill that possibility is against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
