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Report: LeBron James, Anthony Davis Are 'Good' After Lakers Trade, 'It's Business'

Zach BacharContributor IFebruary 2, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 02: Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 02, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 109-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
David Berding/Getty Images

There don't appear to be any hard feelings between LeBron James and Anthony Davis following the power forward's surprising trade to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

"Everyone is good," a league source told Joe Vardon of The Athletic regarding the relationship between James and Davis. "It's business."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Lakers were sending a package including Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for superstar Luka Dončić as part of a three-team trade that also included the Utah Jazz.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

🚨 The Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a> <a href="https://t.co/KcH7NNmvWk">pic.twitter.com/KcH7NNmvWk</a>

James had "no idea" that the deal was in the works and found out about the news while he was out to dinner with his family following a game against the New York Knicks on Saturday night, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer "was said to be more concerned with Davis' emotions following the trade than anything," via Vardon.

After the deal, Ben Reiter of CBS Sports reported that James had become frustrated with his former teammate. The four-time MVP fired back at the narrative on social media, though.

LeBron James @KingJames

You a fkn lie!!! 🤥🤡 <a href="https://t.co/EYNRUbUFmj">https://t.co/EYNRUbUFmj</a>

James and Davis' tenure as teammates in Los Angeles was undoubtedly successful, making four playoff appearances together and winning the 2020 NBA Finals. They continued to excel to start the 2024-25 season, combining to average 49.7 points, 19.5 rebounds and 12.5 assists per game.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

LEBRON FULL COURT PASS TO AD 😱<br><br>WHAT A PLAY. <a href="https://t.co/YZE87qyT0A">pic.twitter.com/YZE87qyT0A</a>

The Lakers also sit at 28-19, good enough for the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings.

While Davis will now be suiting up for the Mavericks moving forward, he reportedly remains on good terms with James.