LeBron James faced backlash from NBA fans after sharing a cryptic Instagram story involving former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis.
Both players posted the same quote to their stories: “Becoming the best version of yourself comes with a lot of goodbyes.”
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James and Davis spent six seasons together in Los Angeles before Davis was sent to the Dallas Mavericks as part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic deal.
Despite being moved, there’s been no sign that their friendship has changed. But even so, some fans felt that LeBron’s timing was off and made their opinions known online.
LeBron James faces backlash over Instagram post with Anthony Davis
LeBron James is under the spotlight once again after posting a cryptic message on Instagram that some fans believe hints at issues within the Lakers organisation.
James and Davis each shared a quote to their stories, reading: “Becoming the best version of yourself comes with a lot of goodbyes.”
The two spent six seasons together in Los Angeles before Davis was sent to Dallas as part of the Luka Doncic trade.
The move didn’t seem to impact their friendship, but fans were quick to interpret LeBron’s post as another subtle shot at the Lakers’ front office.
This isn’t new territory for him. James has been accused in the past of using social media posts to make indirect statements about team decisions or his own intentions.
Another fan said, “A lot of y’all called me names when I questioned Bron’s greatness for creating drama and attention. Welp, superstars like Luka, Jokic, Giannis and even Steph won’t post anything like this.”
James and Davis weren’t just teammates; they were close friends who shared plenty of success together. They won a championship in 2020 and made it back to another Western Conference Finals during their time in LA.
Some fans viewed the post as nothing more than a nod to their ongoing friendship rather than any deeper meaning. One wrote simply: “They miss playing with each other.”
The timing certainly raises questions. LeBron has been linked with a potential move to Dallas this offseason, where he could reunite with Davis.
One fan jumped straight into speculation mode: “LeBron James you are a Dallas Maverick!”
LeBron James Dallas Mavericks trade: Lakers contacted by NBA team
As reported by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks reached out to the Lakers about a potential deal for James. Dallas is looking to add his experience alongside number one pick Cooper Flagg after falling short in the Play-In following the Doncic trade.
Although James is expected to start the season with Los Angeles, there’s a chance he could be moved before next year’s trade deadline. With free agency looming, if he signals an intention to leave, the Lakers may try to secure some value in return rather than lose him for nothing.
The Mavericks don’t have much in terms of immediate draft capital, with no valuable picks until 2029. Derrick Lively and Max Christie are promising young players—Christie being a former Laker—but neither would headline a deal for someone like James.
Dallas remains interested, but unless Los Angeles is open to reacquiring Davis or bringing in Kyrie Irving as a reunion piece for Doncic, serious talks likely won’t happen until next summer.
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