Instead, new reporting from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Joe Vardon clarifies that James has not asked for a trade or buyout. The Lakers have reportedly heard nothing from him or his representation about leaving. Meanwhile, the team is shifting focus toward Doncic’s long-term role in Los Angeles.

Luka Doncic was so shocked by the Dallas Mavericks trading him, he cried on his return to the arena. But if there's one team a superstar would want to go to in a scenario like this, it's the Los Angeles Lakers.