By Brian Mahoney
LeBron James had another big night for the LA Lakers on Saturday but his heroics were quickly overshadowed by news that Slovenian star Luka Doncic would join him at the franchise in a blockbuster three-team NBA trade.
News of the shock deal, which will also see Anthony Davis join Dallas, emerged early on Sunday in the US, as the clock ticked on this year’s trade period, which ends on Thursday.
Luka Doncic is heading to the LA Lakers, where he will join forced with LeBron James.Credit: AP
A person with knowledge of the agreement said early Sunday that Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris would head to the Lakers, while Davis and Max Christie would join Dallas. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team can announce the deal while it awaited league approval.
A separate trade inked at the weekend will see Australian Boomers stalwart Patty Mills join the seventh club of his 16-year career in the NBA. Like 25-year-old Doncic, Mills, 36, is moving to LA, except he’ll be playing for the Clippers after being offloaded by the Utah Jazz.
Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games (all starts) this season.
The 31-year-old Davis has put up averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 boards, 3.4 assists and 2.1 blocks across 42 games (all starts).
LeBron James was imperious at Madison Square Gardens, and shows little signs that he is slowing down, even at the age of 40.Credit: Getty Images
Before news of the trade emerged, 40-year-old James shot 33 points, to go with 12 assists and 11 rebounds in his 10th triple-double of the season.
It made for another memorable night at Madison Square Garden for the NBA scoring record-holder as he led the Lakers to a 128-112 victory over the New York Knicks.
