The Lakers shifted their organizational focus from LeBron James and Anthony Davis to Luka Dončić with Saturday's seismic trade. Everything they do going forward will be done from the POV of a roster built around Luka. That much is obvious, because Star A is 25 and Star B is 40. But Star B happens to be (in the eyes of many) the greatest to ever play. He has been at the center of nearly every NBA conversation for more than two decades, and still has a massive amount of gravity attached to him. And no question, for a long time there was real drama around LeBron. But one of the less talked about realities of his tenure in LA, especially the last couple of seasons, is how little of it there has been. Some passive/aggressive stuff from the old James playbook here and there, but big drama? Meaningful tension? Remember, drama in this city and with this franchise means screaming at the owner to pay you while he sits on the sidelines, or telling every radio and TV station that will hear you that you'll play on Pluto before you wear the purple and gold again. By those standards, and even some looser ones, the LeBron Era has been very, very quiet. And now, it remains so. Less than 24 hours after Luka became a Laker, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that James won't ask out before the deadline, the only way he can be traded given his no-trade clause. So as much as some voices want to see him play with Steph Curry and the Warriors, or push his way out to some other destination, it's not going to happen. LeBron, it seems, feels like he's got just as good a shot of winning in LA with Dončić than he does anywhere else he might realistically go... and he's right. He surely realizes that Luka's skill set is the one best suited to help him play an extra season or two if he'd like, because that skill set is his skill set. It incentivizes him to help Luka build better habits with his body, as well. The notion LeBron can't give up some responsibility offensively to Luka? He's done it this year already for Austin Reaves. He's spent the last few seasons begging Anthony Davis to take the proverbial torch, and frequently referred to A.D. as the team's best player this year. Look, maybe things don't work out, and this offseason the Lakers and LeBron part ways. But it sure seems like the league is more addicted to the LeBron drama than LeBron is at this point. And in the meantime, maybe we just see how it works first? Because the Lakers blew up their core, but they didn't rebuild. That's one of the things making this trade so unique, but it's warping the way people think about the LeBron/Lakers, LeBron/Luka pairing. HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Luka will meet the media today! SEGMENT 2: Is the NBA still addicted to LeBron Drama? SEGMENT 3: Anthony Davis says goodbye to LA. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.RobinhoodWith Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelSuper Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
