Windhorst: 'I Think' LeBron 'Liked' NBA Title Chance with AD, 'Loves' Chance with Luka

The acquisition of star guard Luka Dončić appears to have breathed new life into Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is still performing at a very high level after turning 40 in December.

During an appearance on Get Up, ESPN's Brian Windhorst explained that he's seen a change in the motivation level for James, noting, "The last couple of years, he's played well, but I don't truly think he's really believed in the team." The addition of Dončić to the roster following the trade that sent star big man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks last month appears to be the spark he needed to believe the Lakers could contend for a title.

"The way he is now playing, he's playing like he believes in this team," Windhorst said around the 7:12 mark. "While the milestones are nice and he's happy to have them, what is getting him up every day is the realization that this team could make another deep run, something that maybe he didn't expect; it sort of came out of the blue. I think he liked the chances of him and Anthony Davis together, I think he loves the chances with him and Luka."

James and Dončić combined for 64 points in the Lakers' 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, which extended the team's win streak to seven straight games. The 40-year-old became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 career points, combining the regular season and the playoffs.

Despite the accomplishment, it's clear that James is more focused on chasing his fifth career NBA championship ring, as Dončić's arrival gives the Lakers a chance to compete with the elite teams in the NBA.