On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks. This was their first matchup after the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. And, though he did not play against LeBron James and his former teammates, Anthony Davis was also on the other side for the first time since the trade. Still, the Lakers gave their former champion a tribute video to honor his time with the team.
Tribute to a Lakers legend: Anthony Davis 💜 pic.twitter.com/IbhmfrGkju
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 26, 2025
After the game, James spoke about the tribute video the team made for his former teammate. In doing so, he opened up about his relationship with Davis and what he meant to the Lakers franchise.
“He’s one of my best friends.” 🥹
LeBron reflects on his relationship with Anthony Davis and the impact he had on LA pic.twitter.com/B0TWaS5559
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 26, 2025
“What AD was for this franchise and what AD did for this franchise from the moment we got him, to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, to the All-Star nods, to winning the first inaugural in-season tournament… obviously, our friendship goes without saying. He’s one of my best friends, and it was great to see him get that recognition and have that moment.” James said.
LeBron James Opens Up About Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis Tribute
The Los Angeles Lakers Never Shopped Anthony Davis
Despite ultimately trading him to Dallas, the Lakers never intended to move on from Davis this year.
In a recent interview with Rich Eisen (YouTube link), Lakers president Jeanie Buss spoke about the trade. Additionally, she made it clear that the Lakers “were not looking to move” Davis.
“You know, in my position, there are certain players in the league that you think, ‘There’s no way I’ll ever have that player on my team.’ It’s just impossible. Unless you draft a star like that, they usually don’t move. When the opportunity came up, we were not looking to move Anthony Davis. He was our rock-solid player, and so we had to give up a lot to get Luka… I look back, and the last time I saw Kobe alive was about a month before he passed. He had brought Gigi to a Lakers game to see Luka play because Luka was Gigi’s favorite player. The idea that Luka is now a Laker—I know how happy that would make Kobe and Gigi.”
Before the trade, Davis had spent parts of six seasons with the Lakers and was crucial to their success. He helped lead them to a championship in 2020 and was a top player in the league during his Lakers tenure.
The Last Word On LeBron James and Anthony Davis
James and Davis were among the NBA’s best duos during their time together in Los Angeles, and it is clear that there is still respect and admiration between them. Regardless, they are no longer teammates and are opponents for the first time since 2019. Since he missed Tuesday’s matchup because of a groin injury, Davis has just one more chance to take on his former team this season in April. That game, just like the previous one, will be must-see television.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
