LeBron James explains what makes Luka Doncic a rare ‘savant’ in today’s NBA

Luka Doncic’s trade to the LA Lakers in the middle of the past season has been dissected and analyzed in almost all ways possible. While pundits vary on which team won the trade, the Lakers or the Dallas Mavericks, they all agree that LA is set for the future with LeBron James in the twilight of his career.

James has been one of the best players in the league for more than a decade now and has been an epitome of consistency even this late in his career. While the former No. 1 pick is blessed with a better physical build than Doncic, the two have several things in common: the ability to score, rebound and dish out assists.

There seems to be another common trait: a high IQ.

LeBron James has always been praised for his knowledge and the ability to dissect oppositions’ gameplans with his basketball brilliance. Analysts claim Luka Doncic has similar attributes, and James alluded to the same in a WSJ article published on Tuesday.

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As per the report, a day after Doncic signed his new extension with the Lakers, James said:

“Big-time savant of the game. I always use IQ as a measuring point in basketball—guys who can think the game. There are so many guys in our league who can play the game, but to be able to think the game as well puts you at another level.”

It’s anyone’s guess how long the Lakers faithful will see the duo together, with James turning 41 in the upcoming season. But as long as they are playing together, one thing is for sure, Doncic will continue to pick James’ brain to learn and keep leading LA long after the NBA leading scorer calls it quits on his Hall of Fame career.

Luka Doncic signed a three-year extension with LA Lakers

Luka Doncic was gutted at leaving the Dallas Mavericks as he claimed he was completely blindsided by the move. While he wanted to be a lifelong Maverick, his focus has now shifted to finding success elsewhere, with the LA Lakers.

On Aug. 2, Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension. He said on the momentous occasion, via NBA:

“Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here. When you look up here, so many great names and what they’ve achieved. I want to be up there too one day.”

The deal should keep the Slovenian superstar in LA through 2028 with a player option for the final year.

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About the author

Rajdeep Barman

Rajdeep Barman is a U.S. Sports Editor at Sportskeeda and occasionally writes about basketball. He studied journalism at Mizzou, and prior to working at Sportskeeda, he spent 2.5 years at the Columbia Missourian in the U.S.

He worked as an Assistant Sports Editor and helped cover Mizzou Athletics and local high school sports. There, he formed close professional and personal bonds with The Denver Post's Bennett Durando, OKC Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and Alabama beat writer Nick Kelly.

Rajdeep's interest in the NBA stems from his love for the Golden State Warriors and his appreciation of the team's distinctive playing style, heavily influenced by coach Steve Kerr's inspiration from Barcelona's Tiki-Taka. For Rajdeep, basketball is a platform that fosters community and brings people together.

Rajdeep stays in constant touch with some of the best beat writers in the NBA, which helps him learn and stay closer to the news. Being trained in the AP Handbook, he ensures highest levels of relevance, accuracy and ethics in his content.

When not working for Sportskeeda, he likes to travel, take quizzes and spend time with his partner.

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