"But They Said He Traded Him": Lakers Fans React as LeBron James Bullies Anthony Davis Like a Big Brother Before 2nd Duel Since Splitting 

LeBron James and Anthony Davis played their second game against each other on Friday since splitting in February after the Mavericks traded for the latter. It was Davis' first active game in LA since the trade.

Many believed the former Lakers star duo might not be seeing eye to eye, with some accusing James of knowing about the blockbuster trade that landed Luka Doncic in LA for Davis.

However, a playful pre-game moment between James and Davis quashed those concerns. Just before tip-off, James bumped Davis multiple times with his hip, showing their 'big brother, small brother' chemistry. The Mavericks star didn't hit back but smiled as James kept going. Here's the video:

While the Lakers fans have had no issues with trading Davis for Doncic, they still show tremendous respect towards the former franchise star, who helped bring a title to LA in 2020. They adored this moment with James and even clapped back at naysayers who claimed the duo didn't see eye to eye.

Here's how fans reacted:

He is hacking family

@bobie_kwame

But they said LeBron traded him

²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞

@BronGotGame

LeBron joking with AD before the tip🥹

۟

@SHlRAZ

But #they told me AD didn’t fw him anymore

Breathe Air!

@jackjaxson1988

"Wait 2 more years bro, you coming back." - LeBron probably

Revs 〰️

@JD5Better

this just made me smile

trisha. (14-4)

@kobean

i miss them 🥺

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Anthony Davis gets major highlights against LeBron James, but the Lakers emerge on top

Anthony Davis and LeBron James matched up evenly in their second meeting since the trade. Davis had 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks on 6 of 10 shots. Meanwhile, James scored 13 points, five rebounds and seven assists on 5 of 13 shots.

One of Davis' blocks and shots came against James in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks center swatted an attempt at the rim by his Lakers counterpart and then knocked down a floater on the other end.

While Davis had the highlights over his former teammate, James earned the bragging rights after the Lakers won 129-119. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were the key architects of that win.

Doncic had 35 points and 11 assists, while Reaves scored 38 points and eight rebounds. They shot a combined 22 on 33 shots. The Lakers improved to 3-0 against the Mavericks since the blockbuster trade.