Anthony Davis and LeBron James spent over six years building one of the strongest duos in the NBA. But now? They’re opponents, and that’s a whole different ball game.
The Dallas Mavericks forward/center opened up about the biggest challenge of their friendship post-trade, admitting it’s just not the same when you’re not rocking the same jersey. Still, a summer reunion might be on the cards.
The Anthony Davis Trade That Changed It All
When Dallas pulled the trigger on acquiring Anthony Davis, it sent shockwaves through the league. A move like that doesn’t just shake up lineups—it shakes up relationships. Davis had been the right-hand man for James with the Los Angeles Lakers, sharing championship dreams, battle scars, and those legendary locker-room moments.
Now? He’s in a Mavericks uniform, grinding for a different postseason push. And while the respect between him and James hasn’t wavered, the simple reality is that things aren’t the same.
“You can’t change like, ‘Oh, [James] didn’t know, well let’s change it.’ It’s no going back.” Davis told Andscape. “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.” He explained about the current situation.
That’s the brutal nature of the NBA. One minute, you’re dominating alongside your best teammate; the next, you’re facing him from across the floor. Davis isn’t bitter—he gets it. But what does sting is how the trade naturally changed their day-to-day bond.
Eyes on the Davis and James Summer Reunion
That doesn’t mean the friendship is fading. Despite the different uniforms, different cities, and different goals, the two still check in on each other.
“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.”
“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.”
– Anthony Davis on his relationship with LeBron since the trade pic.twitter.com/WvRcepkyvU
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) March 28, 2025
The duo may not be breaking down film together anymore, but the bond runs deeper than X’s and O’s. After all, they shared six-and-a-half years, a championship run, and countless late-night conversations about hoops and life.
So, what’s next? A potential summer reunion. “But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out,” Davis added.
Whether that means just catching up, working out together, or diving deep into old memories, one thing is clear—some friendships go beyond team colors. Lakers or Mavericks, it doesn’t matter. Davis and James might not be side by side on the court anymore, but their bond? That’s still championship-level.
