No matter how Los Angeles Lakers fans feel about Anthony Davis, the truth is that he contributed a tremendous amount to the franchise during his time with it. In five seasons and change in Los Angeles, he averaged 24.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. His arrival in a 2019 trade immediately transformed the Lakers from a non-playoff team to one that won the NBA championship in 2020.
Davis is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks after being sent there in the Luka Doncic trade nearly two months ago. He suffered an abdominal injury in his first game with them, but he recently returned, and even though they won't be healthy for the rest of this season, many still feel they can be a dangerous team when healthy.
In an exclusive interview with Andscape, Davis said he still has a relationship with LeBron James.
Via Andscape:
"Ain’t no change for me. It’s a business. People are saying that [James] knew [of the trade] because of the Marcus Morris [quote saying James knew] that comes out. [James] is saying he don’t. At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when [ESPN’s] Shams (Charana) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This [expletive] happened.
"You can’t change like, ‘Oh, [James] didn’t know, well let’s change it.’ It’s no going back. But as far as our leadership, obviously, we were on the same team, so we talked all the time. But [the Lakers] are trying to make a push, we’re trying to make a push, so we don’t talk as much. But we still check in on each other. He texts me all the time. [James’ chief of staff] Randy [Mims] hit me. Actually, they both just hit me. Vando [Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt] did. We still talk to those guys. I’ve been with [James] the longest, six-and-a-half years. We’ve been really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t talk hang like we used to just because of the teams and stuff. But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out."
The Morris quote Davis alluded to came from an appearance Morris made on Kevin O'Connor's podcast in which he said James pushed for his brother Markieff, who played on that 2020 Lakers team, to be included in the Doncic trade. According to prior reports, James didn't know about the Doncic trade until it was executed.
Davis and James will get a chance to reconnect on April 9, when the Lakers visit the Mavericks in Dallas. The Mavs are currently fighting to stay in the play-in tournament picture, while the Lakers are looking to hold on to fourth place in the Western Conference and possibly move up in the standings.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Anthony Davis on his relationship with LeBron James
