LeBron James Talks Luka Doncic Trade, Says It Was 'A Shock' to Lakers Star's 'System'

The shocking trade that sent star point guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers undoubtedly took a toll on the young phenom, and his new teammate LeBron James has been doing his part to make the transition to his new franchise an easy one.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, James explained that he empathizes with Dončić after he was caught off-guard by being shipped away from a team that he expected to be with for his entire career.

"I can't put myself in his shoes because I've never been traded before," James said. "But I can have a sense and be a human being to know, you commit to a franchise for seven years and you feel like, 'This is the place I'm gonna be, this is my comfort.' ... And then out of nowhere, bam, you just get traded. I don't give damn where you're going, it doesn't matter who you're pairing with, that's a shock to your system. That's a shock to your system."

During their first game together, James made it clear to Dončić that he was ready to hand the reins to the 26-year-old when he told him in the pre-game huddle, "Don't fit in, fit the f--k out." Their new partnership paid dividends immediately, as the Lakers climbed the standings and even achieved an eight-game win streak before James suffered a groin injury that sidelined him for two weeks.

"In order for us to reach our potential, he has to be that guy," James said of Dončić. "He has to fit out and we'll figure it out. Let us figure it out with you, because we need you to be who you are."

In addition to praising his new running mate, James paid homage to former Lakers star big man Anthony Davis, who was sent to the Mavs as part of the deal to acquire Dončić.

"I lost a dear friend, a great friend and a champion duo with AD, miss him to death," James said. "But we were able to gain Luka Magic."