Just when it appeared as if the Lakers were a true contender for an NBA Finals run this season, devastating news hit the franchise in the form of an injury to LeBron James. And more trouble could be on the way as Los Angeles has now dropped down to fourth in the West with James out with an Achilles injury.

It might have seemed like a no-brainer to trade for young superstar Luka Doncic mid-season, but the Lakers had plenty of things to consider before making the blockbuster deal. For one, there was LeBron James,

According to NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers feared LeBron James could request a trade since they didn’t talk to him about the Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis deal. The Lakers traded Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic on February 1.