The primary yr of the LeBron James and Luka Doncic partnership did not finish how the Lakers would’ve preferred as they fell within the first spherical of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However that did not detract from the truth that L.A. nonetheless has an extremely vivid future forward of itself with Dončić sporting purple and gold.

Dončić was shockingly traded to the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks after main that crew to the NBA Finals in 2024. It was a jarring adjustment for the Slovenian celebrity, although it was made higher when he suited up subsequent to James, somebody who he is lengthy stated was his favourite participant rising up.

“It is nice, I’ve by no means performed with a man like this,” Dončić stated on an episode of the Thoughts the Sport podcast with James and Steve Nash. “Being traded to L.A., it was totally different, however to have the ability to play with guys like him, it is unbelievable. I can be taught a lot stuff, to start with off the court docket, all of the issues he does to be prepared for the sport. And clearly on the court docket all people is aware of what sort of participant he’s.”

Dončić joked that one of many greatest issues he is seen since taking part in with James is how attentive he’s in his preparation for each recreation.

“To begin with he reveals up like 10 hours earlier than the sport,” Dončić stated. “That was actually the principle factor, like I used to be like, ‘What?’ I got here to the sector and he was already performed understanding.”

It is that degree of dedication from James that has allowed him to play for 22 years within the NBA whereas nonetheless working at an all-league degree. However the admiration goes each methods, with James exhibiting appreciation for Dončić’s skill to govern the protection, no matter who’s compelled to protect him.

“It is at all times his tempo, and it is at all times been his tempo,” James stated. “He strikes at his personal tempo, and he is by no means been on the ground the place he is allowed somebody to dictate the place they’ll put him on the ground. It is at all times been the other, and for us, we’re all working off that. We simply have to remain prepared.”

James went on to element simply how particular Dončić’s passing skill is.

“Clearly we have seen all through his profession there’s performs and passes that solely sure guys within the league historical past have ever been capable of make, and for us we simply all have to ensure we proceed to remain prepared,” James stated. “Particularly once you go in opposition to handsy groups, athletic groups and groups that attempt to pace you up. We at all times should hold our head on a swivel, since you simply by no means know when the ball might discover you, and that is an excellent factor. That is preserving the protection off steadiness, and that is an amazing factor to have that.”

James’ chemistry with Dončić did not take lengthy to kind after the 26-year-old joined the Lakers. With him in tow, the Lakers climbed by the rankings within the West to complete with a 50-32 document for the No. 3 spot within the playoffs. Though the Timberwolves spoiled the Lakers’ desires of successful a championship this summer time, it was an ideal introduction into what subsequent season and the years past will appear like with Dončić on the crew. 

James might solely be round for a pair extra seasons earlier than he decides to retire, however the quantity of information he can lend Dončić will assist him and the Lakers for a few years past when the four-time champion decides to retire. We already noticed a few of that this season, and Dončić appears to be being attentive to the additional work James places in to remain at peak efficiency ranges. 

We’ll see if that a part of James’ habits rubs off on Dončić. If it does, then it’s going to solely take his recreation to a special degree.