LeBron James issues four-word angry response to blockbuster Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic trade
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LeBron James has furiously denied claims he wanted Anthony Davis traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, following Davis's blockbuster move to the Dallas Mavericks.
The NBA superstar took to X to slam suggestions he had grown frustrated with his former teammate.
James responded to CBS NBA Insider Bill Reiter's claims with a Pinocchio emoji and a clown emoji, writing: "You a fkn lie!!!"
The emphatic denial came hours after the seismic trade was announced on Saturday night.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic are now team-mates
GETTY
The Lakers are sending Davis, a 2029 first-round pick and Max Christie to the Mavericks in one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
In return, Los Angeles will receive star player Luka Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
The deal has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, marking a dramatic shake-up for both franchises.
CBS NBA Insider Reiter had told his channel about alleged tensions within the Lakers organisation last year.
"It wasn't that AD was going to be traded, it was just something to keep an eye on - that LeBron is frustrated with AD and doesn't think that it is working," Reiter said of what he heard in 2024.
LeBron James has denied allegations he pushed for Anthony Davis to be traded
REUTERS
James's swift and angry response on social media left no doubt about his feelings regarding these claims.
James scored 33 points in the Lakers' 128-112 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The Lakers star only learned about the trade whilst having dinner with his family after the game.
ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin wrote on X: "James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works."
According to ESPN, the trade talks were initiated by the Mavericks, with both Davis and Doncic unaware of the developments.
The 25-year-old Doncic arrives in Los Angeles having not played since Christmas Day due to a calf strain.
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Anthony Davis was unaware of talks regarding a trade
REUTERS
The trade signals a potential changing of the guard for the Lakers, with Doncic positioned to lead the team when 40-year-old James eventually retires.
The two teams are set for a dramatic first meeting since the trade, with the Mavericks visiting Los Angeles on February 25.
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