Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after missing a shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LeBron James has been in the league for so long that he knows exactly every phase of the game. From being a rookie, to the pressure you face in your mid-twenties, winning, failure, dynasties, superteams, epic teammates, rivalries, and injuries, he’s seen it all. This time, LeBron is witnessing a particularly special phase in Luka Doncic’s career.

The King’s reaction to Luka’s epic assist to Gabe Vincent, a former Miami Heat player, was priceless. His genuine excitement resembled the enthusiasm of watching close friends play in high school. It served as a reminder of the immense pressure LeBron himself faced at Luka’s age, while also highlighting his enduring love for the game.

LeBron James can’t hide reaction after Luka Doncic play reminds him the pressure isn’t going away

LeBron secured back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, a trio widely considered a “Big Three.” This team, assembled with high expectations, indeed achieved significant success.

Then, he returned to Cleveland to challenge Stephen Curry and the Warriors, managing to win one out of the four NBA Finals they contested. Later, he secured another championship with the Lakers during the COVID-impacted season in the Orlando bubble, defeating Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

This phase of LeBron’s career also involves mentoring Doncic in many ways, and he certainly understands the pressures of fame and attention. The main argument from Nico Harrison regarding Luka’s trade from the Mavericks to the Lakers centered on his physical condition, which ultimately comes down to discipline – another quality LeBron James possesses.

For me, the Lakers are contenders simply by having these two extraordinary and generational talents. LeBron James was the best player to ever play for the Cavaliers and arguably holds the same distinction in Miami, despite having more notable teammates there.

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This year, reaching the NBA Finals presents a tough path, as it always does. Currently, the Lakers hold the third seed, trailing the Rockets and the top-seeded Thunder. Following them in the Western Conference standings are Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in fourth, the Clippers in fifth, and Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler’s Warriors in sixth place. All of these teams are playing good basketball with the postseason just one week away.