LeBron James reveals unique Luka Doncic talent that speaks volumes about his impact

LeBron James and Luka Doncic are set to embark on their first playoff appearance as teammates with the LA Lakers this season. Since trading big man Anthony Davis for Doncic last month, the Lakers have seen a shift in their identity.

As the playoffs come near, James praised Doncic for his impact on the court, pointing out his ability to involve his teammates.

“Because he plays the game how I’ve always wanted to inspire the generation to play the game,” James said on podcast Mind the Game when asked by co-host Steve Nash about the excites him about playing with Doncic."

“I’ve always loved the players that breathe so much confidence into his teammates that they make them believe that they are actually better than what the f**k they really are. Luka has done that for seven years…I’ve been doing that with few of my teams,” James added.

According to the Lakers star, having teammates involved on the court allows the team to be more composed, as role players would do anything for the team, lifting the ceiling for the squad.

“They would do anything for you," James said. "They would run through a wall for you … Luka has that. He learned that from growing up in Slovenia to heading over to Madrid and learning the game the right way, and playing at a professional level at 13, 14 years old. He brought that same model, that same game, to the NBA.”

Doncic has been one of the best players in the NBA since being drafted in 2018. This season, he is averaging 27.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game for the Lakers, who are fourth in the Western Conference with a 45-29 record.

LeBron James believes Luka Doncic should “fit out” with the Lakers

With Luka Doncic's talent, LeBron James thought the team would have to adjust to him, not the other way around. Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, James said that Doncic must be himself and that the Lakers are willing to trust Doncic's identity on the court in order to be successful this season.

“His name is Luka Magic for a reason," James said. "He's a very transcendent player... In order for us to reach our potential, he has to be that guy. He has to fit out. We'll figure it out. Let us figure it out with you because we need you to be who you are."

The Lakers are 13-8 with Doncic on the floor, enough to stay within the top-four, which meant a homecourt advantage in the playoffs.

James and Doncic are expected to carry the Lakers in the playoffs this season, similar to what they did with their former teams.