The moment the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, they were pairing two of the greatest playmakers the NBA has ever seen. LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the greatest passers in the history of the league while Doncic is one of the true premier playmakers of this generation.
Some questioned whether they would be able to play together, but LeBron didn’t hesitate to cease control to Luka and embrace a more off-ball role. Additionally, with both being such high IQ players, they were able to play off each other excellently as they both see things at such a high level.
The fact that James is still able to be such an effective NBA player in his 23rd NBA season is truly unprecedented and, while Doncic is clearly a generational talent, he is also still just 26 years old. As such, Luka recognizes that he still has plenty of room to grow as a player, and on LeBron’s 41st birthday, he made it clear that he has already learned a lot from his Lakers teammate.
“I’ve learned a lot. He’s an incredible player,” Doncic said of James. “He’s been playing for so many years. It’s incredible. I’ve learned a lot from him.”
No player in the history of the NBA has ever played 23 seasons, and those basically everyone who has reached even 20 years in the league, became more of a role player. But James has somehow still remained amongst the NBA’s elite, being an All-NBA Second Team selection last season.
To be able to have this level of longevity, while still performing at a high level, is unbelievable, and Luka understands there is so much knowledge to be gained by playing alongside LeBron. The two have been able to connect on many levels since Doncic joined the Lakers and the two have developed some chemistry on the court.
Whether or not Luka will be able to play into his 40s as LeBron has remains to be seen, but very few players have been able to see and breakdown the game at the level these two have and being teammates has allowed each of them to continue to grow.
LeBron James willing to play more on-ball if it helps Lakers win
After a strong start to the season, the Lakers have come back down to earth as of late and turning things around won’t be easy as Austin Reaves will be out for at least four weeks. James had been playing off-ball much more this season with Reaves and Doncic being the primary creators on offense, but he made it clear that he is more than willing to get back to playing on the ball more as long as it helps the Lakers win.
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