Luka Doncic called teaming up with LeBron James “an amazing experience” while reflecting on his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The five-time All-Star appeared on YES Network’s broadcast during the Yankees-Rays game on Monday as part of his Jordan Brand promotional tour. Speaking with Michael Kay and David Cone, the Slovenian superstar spoke candidly about his admiration for James and their time together in Los Angeles.
“I always looked up to him, the way he approaches the game, his professionalism,” Doncic said, via Dallas Hoops Journal. “So when I came, he accepted me with open arms and it was just amazing to be his teammate.”
Doncic was traded to Los Angeles on February 2 in a blockbuster midseason deal that also involved Anthony Davis going to Dallas. The trade shocked the league, pairing the 26-year-old Slovenian with his longtime idol.
Despite missing several weeks prior to the deal due to a calf strain, Doncic quickly found his rhythm with the Lakers. He notched a triple-double in just his third week with the team and later posted 45 points in a return to Dallas on April 9, drawing a standing ovation from the Mavericks crowd.
In the playoffs, Doncic averaged 30.2 points over five games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Though the Lakers were eliminated in the first round, his performance—especially a 37-point effort in Game 1 and a near triple-double in Game 2—highlighted his ability to lead on the postseason stage.
