In a night filled with emotional reunions and competitive basketball, Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis found himself at the center of attention—not for his performance on the court, but for his postgame interactions. After the Mavericks’ 112-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis was seen saying goodbye to his former Lakers teammates, but notably, he did not interact with LeBron James. The omission has sparked curiosity and speculation.
The game marked Davis’ first matchup against the Lakers since his mid-season trade to Dallas. The blockbuster trade, which sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Davis, shook the NBA landscape and left fans of both teams grappling with the implications. While Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas stole headlines, Davis’ postgame actions added another layer of intrigue to the evening.
After the final buzzer, Davis stayed on the court to greet several of his former teammates, including Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. He shared warm embraces and exchanged words with many of them. However, his decision not to approach LeBron James stood out, especially given their close relationship during their tenure as teammates.
Fans and media outlets have been quick to analyze the apparent snub. Some have suggested that lingering tensions from the trade may have played a role. Davis has previously expressed skepticism about the secrecy surrounding the trade negotiations, hinting that certain individuals may have been aware of the deal before it was finalized. While Davis has not directly accused James of involvement, his comments have fueled speculation about a potential rift.
Others believe the omission could simply be a matter of timing or circumstance. Videos from the postgame interactions show Davis speaking to teammates while James was occupied elsewhere. It’s possible that the two plan to meet privately away from the cameras, as Davis has stated that his relationship with James remains strong despite the trade.
In recent interviews, Davis has emphasized his focus on moving forward with the Mavericks and building a championship-caliber team in Dallas.
“At this point, whether [LeBron] knew or not, it doesn’t matter,” Davis said. “This sh*t happened. You can’t change it. But we still check in on each other. He texts me all the time.”
While Davis’ comments suggest that there is no animosity between him and James, the postgame interactions—or lack thereof—have left fans wondering if there is more to the story.
Regardless of the speculation, Davis’ actions highlight the emotional complexities of player trades in the NBA. For athletes, leaving a team often means leaving behind friendships and bonds that extend beyond the court.
