James stars for Lakers amid Doncic trade reports

In response to rumors that Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic might soon join his team-mate in a significant three-way trade deal, LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-112 victory over the New York Knicks.

James scored 33 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Lakers ended the Knicks ‘ five-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden.

Shortly after the game finished, reports emerged that five-time NBA All-Star Doncic could be joining James on the west coast.

Anthony Davis, a 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers, and guard Max Christie would join Dallas as part of the deal, according to ESPN.

The Mavericks would also get a 2029 first-round draft pick, while Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will head to the Lakers.

The three-way trade also reportedly includes the Utah Jazz, who would get Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks in this year’s draft.

Slovenian Doncic, currently sidelined with a calf injury, has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game for the Mavericks since being traded from the Atlanta Hawks in 2018.

The 25-year-old has been an NBA All-Star for the past five seasons and finished as the league’s top scorer in 2024 to help his side reach the NBA finals.

The 40-year-old showed promise in New York by demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level despite being expected to be James’ long-term replacement.

“He led tonight with his spirit, his force, his voice”, said Lakers coach JJ Redick.

He obviously had a fantastic statistic game, but it was immediately obvious that he was going on a mission.

Elsewhere, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokic scored 28 points with 13 rebounds and 17 assists as the Denver Nuggets won 107-104 against the Charlotte Hornets, who suffered a fourth successive defeat.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Sacramento Kings 144-110 to take the Western Conference title game. Aaron Wiggins added a career-high 41 points.

The Utah Jazz ended an eight-game losing streak with a 113-99 home win over the Orlando Magic, while the Washington Wizards put an end to a 16-game losing streak with a 105-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.