‘I’ve never played with a guy like this’: Luka Dončić on playing with LeBron James in his first season with the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the biggest blockbuster trades in recent memory when they acquired star guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks—a move that shocked the basketball community across the world.

The Mavericks sent Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles. The Utah Jazz also facilitated the deal, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick via the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick.

Dončić’s arrival rejuvenated the Lakers’ 2024–25 National Basketball Association (NBA) campaign, with the Slovenian almost single-handedly helping his new team climb up the Western Conference standings. They eventually finished the regular season in third place with a 50–32 win-loss record.

However, Dončić’s much-anticipated partnership with Lakers icon LeBron James did not end as the franchise had hoped, as they were knocked out in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite this, Dončić was full of praise for James and opened up about his experience playing alongside the 40-year-old during an appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast, hosted by James and NBA legend Steve Nash.

“It’s great. I have never played with a guy like this. Being traded to Los Angeles was different, but to be able to play with guys like him—it’s unbelievable. I can learn so much stuff, first of all off the court, all the things he does to be ready for the game. And obviously, on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is,” Dončić stated.

.@luka7doncic has mastered playing at his own pace.

Catch up on part 1 of Luka’s guest appearance on our YouTube: https://t.co/feX8eUUVkU pic.twitter.com/8ipGD7G5Px

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 1, 2025

“First of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game. That was really the main thing. I was like, ‘What?’ I came to the arena and he was already done working out,” he added.

James is known for his intense dedication to diet and fitness. This commitment has allowed him to play a staggering 22 seasons in the NBA, with the 40-year-old widely expected to return for the Lakers next season for a record 23rd season. The four-time NBA champion has long been an admirer of Dončić, even before the trade, and praised Dončić’s ability to manipulate defenses.

“It’s always his pace, and it’s always been his pace. He moves at his own pace, and he’s never been on the floor where he’s allowed someone to dictate where they’re going to put him. It’s always been the opposite, and for us, we’re all working off that. We just have to stay ready,” James said.

“Obviously, we’ve seen throughout his career there are plays and passes that only certain guys in league history have ever been able to make. For us, we just all have to make sure we continue to stay ready—especially when you go against handsy teams, athletic teams, and teams that try to speed you up. We always have to keep our head on a swivel, because you just never know when the ball may find you. And that’s a good thing—that keeps the defense off balance, and that’s a great thing to have,” he added.

Despite all his talents, Dončić has come under criticism for his lack of effort on defense. The 26-year-old has the opportunity to learn from James, who is renowned for his work ethic both on and off the court—although time is limited, as the 40-year-old is expected to continue playing for only another season or two before eventually retiring.

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