The rumbles of arguably one of the biggest trades in NBA history have begun to calm down. Luka Doncic was present at the Intuit Dome tonight to watch LeBron James and the Lakers demolish their city rivals and tie the season series. Although parting with Anthony Davis, a bonafide two-way beast has been tough, the city of LA is glamorous with the acquisition of Doncic. The Slovenian is touted as the future of the franchise, a move even he envisioned to transpire one day.

But for the Akron Hammer, coming to terms with the trade wasn’t easy.

Davis and James share a close bond. He calls him his “best friend”. For star teammates, no other player spent a longer time besides the 40-year-old than The Brow. And this move materialized in the shadows. Jeanie Buss and Pelinka saw an opportunity that they capitalized on. And while LeBron James does feel sorrow, he also understands the cruel nature of the “business”.

“Been a whirlwind. I can’t even imagine how AD, Luka, Max Christie and Maxi Kleber and obviously Hood-Schifino was one of our teammates as well. It’s been challenging for sure, especially for me. Anytime I have six years with AD, win a championship with my guy, obviously one of my best friends. But it’s a business you understand that. It’s the business of basketball and we understand that. And I know he’s going to do good out there in Dallas,” James said about the trade.

It was a bittersweet ending. This was the season it looked like Davis would take the helm in LA, and become the frontline star. However, now those duties rest on the shoulders of Doncic. Even though upset about losing one of his close friends, James couldn’t mask his excitement to be able to play with one of his favorite players.

LeBron James feels Luka Doncic will make things easy

When the trade for Doncic was finalized, the analysts were confused. It wasn’t due to the Lakers’ decision to secure their future with one of the most tantalizing young talents in the NBA. However, they couldn’t see how Doncic and LeBron James, two ball-dominant players could fit in the same spectrum.

They are both similar players in the way they play the game. Their selflessness helps bring out the potential of the team. But can having two such players who need the ball to dictate the game work? If you ask LeBron James, he feels it’s a match that will make life for his teammates more easier than ever before.

“Obviously our ability to score, rebound, pass it’s going to make it a lot easy on our teammates and that’s what we want to do. We want to be able to create opportunities for our teammates where they only have to catch finish, catch dunk, catch and shoot. And it’s our job to lead them every single night,” James said about playing beside the Slovenian guard.

Davis’ exit initially cast doubts on the defensive struggles the Lakers could face. Surprisingly, in their last two games against the Knicks and the Clippers, they have managed to curb the centers from doing much damage. Finney-Smith and Rui Hchimura have been critical in defending the taller big men.

Still, the Lakers could look to add a distinguished center, the last piece of advice Davis left the team with. As far as a James-Doncic tandem, there will be a lot of adjustment before they start ot flourish. It’s difficult for either of them to sacrifice their play style. However, it sure is possible. The Nuggets are a great example with Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook.

It will come down to choosing both LeBron James and Doncic choosing their moments and bringing the team together. Who do you think will have the dominant hand though? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.