Luka Doncic revealed what LeBron James once said to him that gave him chills.
The LA Lakers tandem have been shrouded in controversy this offseason. The Lakers made clear that they plan to build around Doncic going forward, as 40-year-old James considered retirement.
James had to hand the keys to the franchise over to Doncic, and questions were raised as to how the NBA’s all-time leading scorer would react. Signs are positive, as James was one of the first to congratulate Doncic on his contract extension.
Doncic joined the Lakers in perhaps the biggest trade in the NBA’s history. It was an uncomfortable first few months for the Slovenian superstar, but he revealed what James said to help him settle into LA.
Luka Doncic said LeBron James gave him chills before his first LA Lakers game
Doncic idolised James growing up. After he was drafted in 2018 he said James was his favourite player in the NBA. He said playing alongside one of the NBA’s all-time greats was a “dream come true”.
The trade to the Lakers dented Doncic’s confidence. The Mavericks essentially said they no longer wanted the superstar because of concerns around his physical fitness. In an attempt to build Doncic back up, James had some motivational words for Doncic before his first Laker game.
He said, “Luka, be your f——g self. Don’t fit in, fit the f–k out”.
Doncic, speaking on the NBA’s Pass the Rock YouTube series, said, “After that speech, it was chills. For him to say something like that just feels amazing, gives me confidence.
“I was a little nervous before, but I said to myself, ‘This is what I do. This is what I enjoy most doing,’ so that was the moment.”
LeBron James wants to pass the torch to Luka Doncic
While the narrative has suggested that James has been hesitant to hand the leadership of the team over to Doncic, in reality James wants it to happen.
He made every attempt to make his former co-star, Anthony Davis, the leader. He called him the face of the franchise in 2023, and said they were co-captains. In 2021 he told Davis that the Lakers go as far as he goes.
Davis was never able to take that mantle. James’ pre-game speech to Doncic is a sign he is trying to do the same with his new teammate. He also asked that Doncic’s name be called last in pre-game introductions.
James is 40 years old and no longer able to carry teams throughout a season. He knows he needs Doncic to carry the load.
Doncic’s body transformation this summer has made him one of the fan favourites for MVP. If he steps into that role with James supporting him, the Lakers can be a force this season.