Anthony Davis Clears Stance on Perceived LeBron James Betrayal as $50.6 Million Decision Looms

When Shams Charania dropped the bombshell that Anthony Davis was being traded, the NBA world was left in shock. And according to reports, so was LeBron James—who supposedly found out over dinner with his family. But not everyone’s buying it.

CBS’ NBA insider Bill Reiter, among others, finds it hard to believe that the Lakers would pull off such a major move without at least looping in LeBron first. After all, we’re talking about one of the most influential players in the league. LeBron had to retaliate, tweeting, “You a [expletive] lie!!!”

AD? He’s heard the chatter. But honestly, he couldn’t care less. His bond with LeBron runs deeper than front-office decisions.

When it comes to star teammates, no one has shared the court with LeBron longer than AD. Year after year, the duo carried the Lakers’ championship dreams. So, did LeBron know about the trade beforehand? AD isn’t losing sleep over it. “At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when [ESPN’s] Shams (Charania) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This s**t happened,” The Brow said, shutting down the speculation once and for all.

Because of the bond they formed and the experiences they had with the Lakers, Davis values their friendship more than the “business”. As far as LeBron James has spoken, even he accepted being shocked. “I have seen it all up until this one. I have never been a part of one transaction like that. That was different,” the Akron Hammer said in his first comments after the trade.

Being on different teams has led to some distancing. Of course, by profession, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are now rivals. Yet AD doesn’t think talking less is going to hurt their brotherhood.

“We’ve been really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t talk hang like we used to just because of the teams and stuff. But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out,” Davis told Andscape in an exclusive interview.  The Lakers did play the Mavericks. Davis was out injured then. So the two are yet to stand face-to-face as opponents.

When that happens for the first time, maybe it will help both of them fully come to terms with what has happened. For now, they are both professionals and are focused on helping their teams make a push. But no matter what happens, their friendship won’t be affected.

LeBron James will offer his help to the Lakers again

LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Their bond off the court is as solid as ever, even if they don’t talk all that much. But while their friendship isn’t up for debate, there’s one thing that will have everyone talking soon—LeBron’s future in LA.

The King has a big decision looming. He holds a $50.6 million player option for next season, and opting out could shake up the entire league.

And according to league sources, the 40-year-old will choose to opt out of his contract as per Clutch Points. So is James planning to leave the Lakers and join another roster? On the contrary, he will opt out to bolster the Lakers’ championship odds when the next season arrives. It’s the same thing he was willing to do when Davis was still with the Lakers.

During free agency, a number of tempting players were linked to the Lakers. According to several reports, LeBron James held on signing his extension until the Lakers made a decision. If they could successfully lure a great puzzle piece, the billionaire was willing to take a pay cut to accommodate them alongside himself and Davis.

James is now willing to do the same for Luka Doncic. According to ClutchPoints, if the Lakers do have an impactful player on their radar, LeBron James will take less money “allowing Los Angeles to add more talent around him and Luka Doncic”. The free agent market is said to be packed with a plethora of talent next season. Notably, players like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Julius Randle, Clint Capela and Naz Reid.

Bringing in Clint Capela or Naz Reid wouldn’t just patch up the Lakers’ frontcourt woes—it could turn them into serious Western Conference favorites. Pairing one of these big men with LeBron and Luka would be a game-changer, giving L.A. the size, defense, and inside presence they’ve been missing. With the right pieces in place, the Lakers wouldn’t just be contenders—they’d be a nightmare for the rest of the league.

With James again extending massive help, it’s up to the Pelinka and the Lakers to make an extreme splash and improve their teams’ placement within the league. It failed the first time around. Do you think the Purple and Gold will succeed next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.