LeBron denies rift with AD, reportedly had no idea trade was coming

LeBron James insists the blockbuster trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis wasn't fueled by frustration on his end.

After CBS Sports' Bill Reiter reported that James had grown frustrated with Davis on Saturday, LeBron took to X to shut down the report.

James learned of the trade while he was out to dinner with his family following the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the New York Knicks, sources told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The four-time MVP was reportedly surprised by the news and had no idea a deal was in the works.

Davis joined James in L.A. during the 2019 offseason when he was traded to the Lakers from the New Orleans Pelicans. The duo won the 2020 championship and then led L.A. to three playoff appearances in the following four seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference finals in 2023.

The Lakers won 63.1% of their games with James and Davis in the lineup.

Davis averaged 24.8 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks during his time in L.A.