Steve Nash didn’t hold back when talking about LeBron James’ willingness to adapt. During Fanatics Fest New York, the former NBA MVP praised James for sacrificing his usual role to make room for Luka Dončić, calling it the kind of maturity that separates champions from everyone else. With trade rumors swirling and the Los Angeles Lakers choosing sides, Nash’s words carry extra weight.
Why Does Steve Nash Believe LeBron James Made the Right Choice?
During Fanatics Fest New York, former NBA star and head coach Steve Nash spoke with Lakers icon LeBron James, praising him for adapting after a trade sent Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić to LA. Nash claimed the duo is “this close to a title run” after the 2024-25 season.
“One thing I’d also like to say that I admire about LeBron is how he adapted this season to playing with Luka. You know, that takes a lot of maturity. It takes a lot of sacrifice. He approached this as a gift and an opportunity to make a team as good as possible,” Nash praised the Lakers’ star.
The partnership between James and Dončić lifted the Lakers to a Pacific Division win. They also climbed to third in the Western Conference during the 2024-25 season. However, the duo ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs following a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What Does Luka Dončić’s Manager Say About Playing With LeBron?
Despite the playoff disappointment, the relationship between the two superstars remains strong. NBA Insider Shams Charania recently reported that the Lakers appear to recognize Dončić as the future face of their franchise. The team reportedly prioritizes him over James. However, Dončić’s manager says his client loves playing with the NBA icon.
“Championships are won when you work together. We all share that same goal. Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate,” Dončić’s manager told ESPN.
Luka Doncic’s manager:
“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.” 🤝
(via Ramona Shelburne) pic.twitter.com/7j5k1Y7PR8
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 14, 2025
According to Nash, during his recent appearance at Fanatics Fest New York, the Lakers could be closer to contending for a championship than they think. This assessment comes despite the team’s first-round playoff exit.
“Now, it was slammed together quickly, they lost early in the playoffs, but I think we saw the seeds of a team that was this close to going deep in the playoffs, making a run for a title. As that roster builds, the possibility is there,” the former MVP explained, offering James some sage advice.
“You can’t do that unless you’re willing to sacrifice and grow and play slightly differently, playing in a way that complements your teammates. So my advice would be those two things,” Nash offered to the Lakers’ star.
James recently decided to exercise his $52.6 million player option, but rumors continue linking him with a move away from Dončić and the Lakers. After the recent reports suggested that the franchise was moving forward with the Slovenian as its marquee player, the most crucial factor in James’ decision has remained the same: to “contend for a championship.” Nash believes that staying put would be the perfect way for him to do so alongside Dončić.
