After a frenzied week of news updates, shocking trades, and what-ifs, fans rejoice as one of the most loaded weekends in US sports is upon us, including the SuperBowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles as well as the debut of Luka Dončić in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.
It’s been a few days. Everyone has pinched themselves enough times to realize that Luka Magic is officially a Laker – as unusual as it still sounds – and will suit up in purple and gold as soon as this weekend, either on Saturday or more likely on Monday.
Much has been made about the Dallas Mavericks’ motivation behind what was arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history. While the unique relationship between Nico Harrison and Rob Pelinka, the two teams’ General Managers, has been a critical factor, apparently, so has Luka Dončić’s physical condition.
However, as the American philosopher Dr. S. R. O’Neal has put so eloquently: “He doesn’t look out of shape to me. And even fat Luka is better than 99,9% of the guards in the game.”
After picking Luka Magic numerous times during previous renditions of the NBA All Star draft, LeBron James now gets to suit up with the Slovenian sensation on a regular basis – eventhough he will be paired up with Anthony Davis during the actual All Star Game, ironically enough.
Yes, the offensive fit of two absolute superstars who are both used to dominate the ball will certainly take some time for fine-tuning. And the defensive capabilities of a unit featuring James and Dončić on the floor at the same time for most of the game doesn’t necessarily scream defensive juggernaut. But, one cannot help but wonder about the limit – or lack thereof – of two basketball minds as brilliant and as pass-happy as those of LeBron and Luka.
Not only does this mark the first time in the King’s career, that he is not the best player on his own team. There is also a case to be made, that by the time Luka steps onto the Crypto.com Arena Staples Center floor, he is the best teammate LeBron James has ever played with. [Dwyane Wade’s Top3 MVP season came before the two joined forces in Miami.]
Beyond the Lakers’ Playoff and title ambitions this season – the team is currently 5th in the Western Conference – the acquisition of Dončić (and Mark Williams for their 2031 First Round Pick) not only potentially extends LeBron’s opportunities to continue his career alongside a Top3 talent about to enter his prime years but it most crucially sets up the franchise in terms of jersey sales, game attendence, and TV/social media viewership for years to come without missing a beat in the NBA’s second most relevant market.
From Luka’s point of view, as shocked as he was about the abrupt departure from a team and a community he has had a meaningful connection to, he seems to not only appreciate the opportunity he has with the Lakers but also come around to the magnitude of said opportunity.
While it’s safe to assume that the chip on Dončić’s shoulder can accurately be described as an Indiana-Jones-sized boulder, he has not only been paired with who he’s described as his long-time basketball idol in LeBron James but also essentially the best personal trainer in NBA history.
With the new-found extra motivition and James’ experience, knowledge, and recipe book at his disposal, Luka Dončić’s run with the Lakers may very well be retrospectively described with Selina Kyle’s famous line from The Dark Knight Rises …
