LeBron James would love playing with Luka Doncic

Appearing on The Ringer’s Bill Simmons’ Podcast, ESPN analyst and known Lebron-whisperer Brian Windhorst mentioned the Dallas Mavericks as a sneaky candidate for the final phase of Lebron James’ career, due to his affinity for Luka Doncic. This …

Appearing on The Ringer’s Bill Simmons’ Podcast, ESPN analyst and known Lebron-whisperer Brian Windhorst mentioned the Dallas Mavericks as a sneaky candidate for the final phase of Lebron James’ career, due to his affinity for Luka Doncic. This isn’t the first time he’s mentioned such a concept; five months ago on ESPN’s NBA Today, Windhorst hinted at it, saying that Lebron would love playing with Luka.

Source: mavsmoneyball.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Why the Cleveland 3.0 scenario for LeBron can’t be written off. pic.twitter.com/VjPCSxRqfY12:05 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Can the upcoming NBA season be GOLDEN for Luka Doncic and the Mavericks? ⚱️👀
📸 seanberryphoto/Instagram pic.twitter.com/UX5YIF5GRd6:44 AM

Madeline Kenney @madkenney
Draymond Green is dipping his toes into ownership being a part owner of a new pickleball team with LeBron James and Kevin Love. He said “we’ll see” about him one day being an owner of an NBA team. pic.twitter.com/VGw1XDoXZw1:36 AM

Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
We’ve added a bunch of new Lineup Context stats at @The_BBall_Index for the 21-22 season (more seasons to come). A few interesting plots:
O-LEBRON vs Off-Ball Gravity & O-LEBRON vs C&S 3pt Shot Making- see which players were producing higher impact with poor spacing around them. pic.twitter.com/gzkk1sSp9z6:55 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
When @Mike Trudell asked if he’s getting a feel for cuts w/ LeBron, Pat Bev responded: “No, my numbers say I shoot threes. I don’t know if I should be cutting. I don’t know if your numbers say, you’re a reporter or whatever. I don’t know if you should be a fireman or anything.” – 5:16 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Some Ham early observations:
– “LeBron is not from this planet, that’s for damn sure.
– “AD’s ability to pass.”
– “Russ, the open spacing … (the opponent) not being able to build a wall, him exploding into the paint.”
– “LeBron’s ability to defensive rebound and bring it.” – 5:15 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Beverley on playing off LeBron: “It’s just high IQ basketball. Knowing screening angles. One thing I have learned (about LeBron) … elite passer. One of the best to ever do it, from his height, his size. When you look up the ball will be right there on your chest.” – 5:02 PM
Mike Bresnahan @Mike_Bresnahan
One of Darvin Ham’s observations through two days of training camp: “LeBron is not from this planet, that’s for damn sure.”
Especially liking how LeBron’s taking defensive rebounds and turning them into opportunities at the other end. – 4:43 PM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
Malik Monk says his approach to the game changed after spending time with LeBron and AD in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/wOaWepzYLR4:29 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
A lively 3-point shooting competition between LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. A film session with no film. Blue tape on the court for spacing. A defensive drill called “Cutthroat.”
That and more from Day 1 of Lakers training camp:
theathletic.com/3635787/2022/0…3:50 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo made headlines when he said that European basketball is “way harder” than the NBA.
Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have also weighed in on this and echoed a similar sentiment. They explained the differences between Europe and the NBA: basketballnews.com/stories/jokic-…2:23 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic is back scrimmaging on Day 2 of Mavs training camp.
Also in this clip: Josh Green playing as the second ball handler on Luka’s side, and Dwight Powell boxing out against a smaller defensive side. pic.twitter.com/R85q74CDJW1:37 PM

Eddie Sefko @ESefko
A little Luka scrimmage action to brighten tour day. pic.twitter.com/fbckd2ezsO1:29 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
In their first 9 seasons:
LeBron —
8x All-Star
8x All-NBA
4x All-Defense
3x MVP
0x DPOY
1x Champ
1x FMVP
Giannis —
6x All-Star
6x All-NBA
5x All-Defense
2x MVP
1x DPOY
1x Champ
1x FMVP pic.twitter.com/4Uuc8PfGHU11:50 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
How it started vs How it’s going 👀
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/tK2Azw8ivf1:48 AM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Two-way guard Tyler Dorsey after his first official Mavs practice: “[Luka] facilitates the ball well, and guys [in the NBA], they haven’t seen me in 3 years, so I don’t know how much respect I’m going to get, but if I’m left open, I’m going to do my job and finish the assist.” – 7:13 PM
Mike Bresnahan @Mike_Bresnahan
Darvin Ham was coy when asked who’d round out the Lakers’ other two starting spots, assuming LeBron, Anthony Davis and Westbrook were in the first five.
“Kareem, James Worthy, Byron Scott,” Ham said. – 6:13 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Darvin Ham coy on who played alongside LeBron, AD and Russ in first practice, jokingly brought up some of the Showtime Lakers. pic.twitter.com/ey1fI0C4I36:05 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Russ particularly animated after practice in a shooting contest with LeBron and AD pic.twitter.com/R5N89jErsN5:59 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Post-practice shooting competition with LeBron, AD and Russ pic.twitter.com/GRtcraw8QX5:46 PM

Dave McMenamin @mcten
Post practice shooting with Russ, AD and LeBron after the first day of training camp pic.twitter.com/kScs6Bosk85:30 PM

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
AD, Bron and Russ having shooting contest pic.twitter.com/RHiFMDKil25:29 PM

Dwain Price @DwainPrice
In case you’re wondering, Luka did his thing in the 1st day of training camp today. Kidd said: “He was great. He did his work and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow and (see if he’ll) do a little bit more tomorrow. He was a great teammate. He led on all the defensive drills today.” pic.twitter.com/sDqIzMkMKZ3:13 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic, as expected, didn’t scrimmage or do drills during the open part of Mavs’ practice, but Jason Kidd said “he led on all the defensive drills today, so he was Luka.”
Also said Luka is “probably not participating for a game or two here in preseason.” – 2:43 PM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
On losing Brunson to NY, Luka said don’t forget about Spencer Dinwiddie. Luka: “Obviously we can’t replace JB. He was an amazing player, an amazing guy. But I think Spencer is going to have a really bigger role this year and I think he can do it. He has the abilities to do it.” pic.twitter.com/7oGEYajkzx1:42 PM

Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka averaged 32.6-9.9-7.0 in the 7-game West semis series against JaVale McGee and the Suns last yr. McGee said that played a major role in him signing with the Mavs via free agency. McGee: “Seeing 7 straight games of Luka definitely helped with the decision of coming here.” pic.twitter.com/ybkxdT5S5U1:37 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Tuesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We react to Media Day interviews, including Westbrook’s vibe, LeBron/AD’s minutes being monitored and Pelinka’s plans for more roster moves. #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
Subscribe. Rate. Enjoy. Thx!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak…1:35 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers Media Day notebook:
— The awkward dynamic between Russ and the Lakers
— Trading both draft picks
— Managing LeBron and AD’s workload
— Injury/health updates
— And more: theathletic.com/3632175/2022/0…12:57 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Where does LeBron rank on these all-time lists?
PTS (2nd)
REB (38th)
AST (7th)
STL (10th)
BLK (96th)
Wins (7th) pic.twitter.com/vcMgjLD1jP12:38 PM

Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Wish I would’ve taken a pic yesterday of Luka Doncic’s all red Luka 1s. 🔥 – 12:27 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
My dude ⁦@Dan Woike⁩ has this from Lakers media day in ⁦@latimessports⁩ on: LeBron James on verge of NBA history, but Lakers’ success hinges on Russell Westbrook latimes.com/sports/lakers/…12:19 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Happy first day of Mavs training camp for all except Luka Doncic, maybe! dallasnews.com/sports/maveric…11:05 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: LeBron James is entering his 20th season not only nearing Kareem’s all-time scoring mark but also primed to move up a slew of other historical lists es.pn/3xVTqkW10:19 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
The All-Europe Team could definitely compete against the best current Team USA:
Doncic 🇸🇮
Bogdanovic 🇷🇸
Antetokounmpo 🇬🇷
Jokic 🇷🇸
Gobert 🇫🇷
Schröder 🇩🇪
Micic 🇷🇸
Fournier 🇫🇷
Wagner 🇩🇪
Porzingis 🇱🇻
Valanciunas 🇱🇹
Sabonis 🇱🇹
Markkanen 🇫🇮
Hernangomez 🇪🇸 – 10:03 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Despite getting less rest, Luka Doncic loved playing for 🇸🇮Slovenia this summer 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/1P2fLUV22z10:00 AM

LeBron James @KingJames
OMG CEEDEE 🐑!!!!!!!!! WOW – 10:47 PM
LeBron James @KingJames
SAQUON IS BACK!!!!!! – 10:16 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Great day from Lakers Training Camp. Lot to discuss on ‘Lakers Talk,’ starts at 7p.
-Vibe much different from last season
-Pelinka committed to winning with LBJ, even if it costs picks
-Competition for backcourt minutes
Guest: @Jovan Buha from @The Athletic
@ESPNLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/Lip4EIR7iX9:12 PM

Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Following a very busy summer, Luka Doncic is ready to go and is favored to win this season’s MVP award. The only Mavs’ player to win the league’s MVP is Dirk Nowitzki in 2007.
https://t.co/po0OXV7PPG pic.twitter.com/KfXwodBpvb8:59 PM

NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
👀 @Juan Toscano-Anderson reps his new teammate with the Nike LeBron 20 at @Los Angeles Lakers Media Day! #NBAKicks #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/2dUpgHD3kS8:30 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Dorian Finney-Smith reacted just like most in Dallas whenever Luka Doncic got bumped during Slovenia’s games this summer:
“Ah, get up! Get him out of there!”
No need to worry so much now.
On Jason Kidd’s plan for Luka to “start slow” this preseason: dallasnews.com/sports/maveric…6:31 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
If you missed the Mavs Media Day press conferences, the hard working @MavsStudio41 crew has em up on the Mavs YouTube channel. JKidd, Luka, Dinwiddie, THJ, Maxi, DoeDoe, Bullock, McGee, and Christian Wood. youtube.com/c/mavericks3:42 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Goran Dragić on playing in EuroBasket (at Luka Dončić’s insistence) after five years of int’l retirement: “When you don’t play for your national team, it’s tough to go back home.”
Dragić said he felt strong playing without his brace in the tournament. – 3:37 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Wenyen Gabriel said he focused his offseason on working on his body to get stronger, a lot of shooting, and watching film to zoom in on where he needs to be and what he needs to do to play off second actions off players like LeBron, AD and Russ. – 3:35 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
LeBron thinks the Lakers can be successful with Russ this season:
“It’s gonna be a great year for him. And we’re gonna be right there with him.” pic.twitter.com/4u84WLuH3Y3:10 PM

Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
After LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook the fourth player to address the press at Lakers Media Day: pic.twitter.com/ashoG43JJo3:06 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
10 Lakers training camp questions ahead of tomorrow’s start:
— Can they stay healthy?
— Russell Westbrook’s future
— LeBron in Year 20
— The starting lineup
— Wing defense
— Can someone make a leap?
theathletic.com/3616656/2022/0…3:05 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Westbrook characterized offseason conversations with LeBron and AD:
“Very beneficial. Being able to talk about and understand things we want to do, and how we want to do them.”
Also said convos/building a relationship with Darvin Ham has been “extremely important to me.” – 2:58 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Russell Westbrook said it’s been “very beneficial” to talk with LeBron and AD this summer and hash out what worked and didn’t work last season. – 2:56 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Russell Westbrook says it’s been “very beneficial” to talk to AD and LeBron this offseason, and he’s looking forward to the things they’ll be able to do together. – 2:54 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James on chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record: “To know that I’m on the verge of breaking probably the most sought-after record in the NBA — things that people said would probably never be done — it’s super humbling for myself. It’s super cool.” pic.twitter.com/C8zugv1Wn92:54 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Anthony Davis on Russell Westbrook expressing skepticism last season on AD and LeBron really meant it when they told him to “be Russ.” pic.twitter.com/3RFeTL8Yp22:52 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis says he told Russ to be himself last year in hopes that he would be more aggressive, which is the trait that’s allowed him to succeed in the NBA. He says he, Russ and LeBron all struggled at times with passivity last year when they shared the floor. – 2:51 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on his extension with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/d6cLk8Y2Be2:47 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron on Russell Westbrook: “It’s going to be a great year for him.”
LeBron added that he thinks Russ can succeed in LA and he’s excited to start training camp with Russ tomorrow. – 2:46 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
LeBron James absolutely believes Russell Westbrook can have a successful season with the Lakers. Listen closely and you can hear the reaction from Lakers fans. 😂 pic.twitter.com/6kFHnvNYOA2:46 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James on signing a two-year contract extension this summer: “I came here because I believe in the franchise. I’m still here. It’s literally that simple. I’m committed to the franchise.” pic.twitter.com/9lqg1QGihx2:46 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for NBA’s all-time scoring mark at some point this season pic.twitter.com/69Dj67xM8h2:46 PM

Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
LeBron James on possibly passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer this season. pic.twitter.com/aUz1vtQJVM2:45 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis mentions that the most important part of the offseason with LeBron and Russ has been that they’ve been able to be on the court together and that they’ve been healthy. He felt the disappointment last season was largely because they didn’t get enough reps together. – 2:44 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James give Russell Westbrook a vote of confidence with his fit pic.twitter.com/1LHyttTd6V2:42 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on his contract extension:
“I came here because I believed in the franchise, and I’m still here. It’s literally that simple. I’m committed to the franchise.” – 2:41 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
LeBron: “I came here because I believed in the franchise, and I’m still here.” BK – 2:41 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
“My expectations for AD to be AD. To be the dynamic player he can be… I believe he is going to have a helluva season.” LeBron James – 2:39 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, that he’ll reach some time later in the season if he maintains his average: “It’s a pretty historical moment when it gets here, and as long as my family and friends are all there, that’s the most important thing for me.” – 2:39 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on what impact Darvin Ham can make pic.twitter.com/hJahhisBZH2:39 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Individually, LeBron’s focus for this season:
“I’m gonna focus my game on being available … to be available on the floor.”
He’s played 55, 67, 45 and 56 games in his 4 Lakers seasons. – 2:37 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James on nearing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record: “I’m kind of in awe of it, like, ‘Wow.’ … To sit here and to know that I’m on the verge of breaking probably the most sought after record in the NBA … it’s super humbling” – 2:37 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
LeBron: “Availability is the most important thing in this league.” Would think that translates into shifts into how he thinks about minutes, workload, rest, etc. BK – 2:36 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James on the most important focus of his game this year: “The focus of my game is to be available. That’s what’s most important.” – 2:36 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
“The focus of my game is being available.” LeBron James – 2:35 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on the team priority for this season: “Defense … obviously you gotta be able to put the ball in the hole, but teams that can defend and get stops where needed, they’re simply more successful in our league.” – 2:34 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron on the one thing he wanted the Lakers to improve on from last season: “Defense.” – 2:34 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Jabari Smith says he’s most looking forward to playing against LeBron and KD in the NBA. Says he looked up to both of them growing up. – 2:26 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Darvin Ham said plan is to have a “one in” offense, to always have a threat near the rim then spacing around them “to make it hard to double.” Anthony Davis on the left block is one offensive focus, plus LeBron at the elbow and more Westbrook post ups. – 2:20 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Rob Pelinka: “LeBron committed to our organization. We’re going to commit to him.” Pelinka stressed that team is willing to trade their draft picks, but that it has to be the right deal – 2:20 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
“We have one of the great players of all time on our team in LeBron James, and he committed to us long term (with contract extension)… we’re committed to putting the best team around LeBron as long as its a smart trade.” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka – 2:15 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
“We will do everything we can, picks included, to make deals …” that give them a chance to make deals to help LeBron win. But they understand they have “one shot” to make a trade that maximizes the assets. (Essentially, they’ve been listening to the podcast.) BK – 2:14 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Rob Pelinka on the Lakers potentially trading their picks: “Let me be abundantly clear … (LeBron) committed to our organization, we’re going to commit to him – including those picks – to see him to the finish line.” He emphasizes that they only get one shot to trade the picks. – 2:14 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Rob Pelinka says that the Lakers will do everything they can to improve the roster — including trading first-round picks — because of the commitment that LeBron James gave them this summer by signing an extension. – 2:14 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
“I don’t need Bron and AD playing playoff minutes in October and November,” Darvin Ham on keeping stars fresh. – 2:10 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says he will be looking to monitor LeBron and AD’s minutes coming into the season to keep their bodies as fresh as can be as the season progresses. – 2:10 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Darvin Ham on load management with LeBron and AD: “I don’t need Bron or AD playing playoff minutes in October, November or December.” – 2:09 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Jabari Smith is most looking forward to playing against LeBron James this season. “Probably KD (also),” says Jabari because of how much he watched him growing up. – 2:01 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Highest FG% by an active player with 15 FGA per game:
60.4 — Zion
52.7 — KAT
51.5 — AD
50.5 — LeBron
49.6 — KD pic.twitter.com/RJTeUrhUM91:59 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
LeBron James at Lakers’ Media Day pic.twitter.com/Am2eLyIEPu1:56 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Luka Doncic: You basically give up your summer to play for your country. I really respect everybody who does that.
At some point, you have to go to practice but you want to be on a beach. But I always enjoyed every moment playing for my national team.
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13…1:54 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Christian Wood remembers how he thrived with James Harden during brief overlap in Houston.
“I think Luka is all that and more.”
Think he’ll average a double-double again, even coming off the bench?
“Probably even better.” – 1:52 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are officially running it back. pic.twitter.com/fnSYzAXK481:45 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Who would’ve thought LeBron, AD and Westbrook would be here together for another media day? pic.twitter.com/zoyDncRcfP1:41 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron getting ready for Lakers’ media day pic.twitter.com/W8KEDbUvJF1:38 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Josh Hart: “I’ve been in the NBA for five years and I’ve had five coaches. Maybe five and a half if you want to count Bron and Rondo.” – 1:34 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Davon Reed on LeBron moment last season
“Something I’ll never forget. There was a bunch of built up tension on my side from my rookie year of him just killing me.”
Said it was a confidence builder and a reassuring moment. pic.twitter.com/eFBb46ofaw1:32 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
New Mav JaVale McGee on Game 7 from the Suns’ perspective:
“People ask all the time what happened, and I tell them ‘You got a TV, you got 2 eyes. We lost by a lot.’”
Mavs’ success factored into his free-agent decision: “Seeing 7 straight games of Luka definitely helped.” – 1:14 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
McGee, of losing to Mavs in playoffs as a Sun and then signing with Dallas: “Seeing seven straight games of Luka definitely helped.” Cited Doncic’s natural ability to get teammates involved offensively. – 1:05 PM

More on this storyline

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is among a few NBA stars who bought into one of America’s fastest growing sports: pickleball. Major League Pickleball announced Wednesday that an investment group led by James and Maverick Carter, his business partner, has the rights to a professional pickleball team. Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors forward, and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love are also involved in the investment group. -via FOXnews.com / September 29, 2022
Callie Caplan: Jason Kidd’s most important update from Mavs’ practice today: Dwight Powell has joined Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. on the “leadership council.” A second straight year in which the trade deadline might be a tumultuous time for big men in that trio ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ -via Twitter @CallieCaplan / September 28, 2022