More than 14 years after The Decision, which left Knicks fans disappointed, there’s chatter about Lakers forward LeBron James possibly coming to New York.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the impetus for this is Los Angeles acquiring Luka Dončić with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
Here’s what Smith said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Monday:
“I go to Rich Paul and tell him I will waive my no-trade clause for one of two teams,” Smith said, via Awful Announcing. “It will either be to join Steph Curry in Golden State or go to New York with the Knicks.
“Now, the Knicks would be more difficult because they traded away five first-round picks to get Mikal Bridges. I love Bridges, but damn, five first-round picks.
But I’m not going to belabor that, they did what they did. Obviously, they have a bunch of assets and clearly, the Lakers are in need of them.”
Aside from the first-rounder they received from the Mavericks in the trade, the Lakers have one first-round pick left in 2031, according to Smith.
This makes the Knicks an attractive trading partner should the Lakers really consider moving James.
The Dončić caught the sports world by surprise late Saturday night. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said he “feels bad for Luka” and added that he’s “scared” for his own future.
Edwards is not alone in his feelings.
Luka Doncic’s father, Saša Dončić, a former professional player and head coach in Slovenia, called out the Mavericks’ “hypocrisy” in the trade, adding Luka “absolutely doesn’t deserve this.”