Luka Dončić has long looked up to LeBron James. In a 2018 interview, Dončić called LeBron his favorite player growing up, referring to him as his “idol” at the Dallas Mavericks media day.
As a kid watching NBA games, Doncic said, he adored King James:
“LeBron James,” Dončić said. “I always look at the game, he’s like my idol.”
Lebron James has BEEN Luka’s favorite player AND idol growing up pic.twitter.com/DY7jqhaQbb
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) April 18, 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and Dončić’s dream was realized when he was traded to the Lakers, where he now plays alongside LeBron.
This trade means more to Dončić than just a reunion with his childhood idol. He also faces the emotional burden of leaving the Mavericks. Playing with LeBron was “just like a dream come true,” he said.
Reinforcing that support was immediate from LeBron. He reached out to Dončić to congratulate him after the trade and to say hello.
They both have a very similar style of play and a high basketball IQ. They are strong playmakers for each other on the screen and find one another and the players waiting for their touches. Dončić even pointed out how great they both are at making their teammates better:
“Our IQ is very high, so I think that’s going to help everybody,” he said (1:01) in a press meeting in February.
Lakers legend James, who’s pursuing a fifth title in his 22nd NBA season. Next Doncic craves for his maiden crown next to James & Lakers.
Luka Dončić still has room for improvement, something LeBron has done throughout his career
Both LeBron James and Luka Dončić made their way to finalist status for the NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award. This player emerges as the star during the most critical times — as defined by the NBA, the last five minutes of a game if the score is within five points.
Never mind that the “clutch gene” remains one of LeBron’s most hotly-debated topics of conversation, his track record in such situations was impressive. He also appeared in 34 clutch games while shooting decent numbers: 51.8 percent from the floor, 39.3 percent from 3-point range and 81.8 percent from the foul line.
Though Dončić’s efficiency was lower, his knack for hitting big shots in key situations helped solidify his place among the finalists. Dončić scored 37 points in his first game with the Lakers, a first-round playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the Lakers lost 117-95.
LeBron had a game to forget, scoring just 19 points, and being called out for looking “lethargic,” according to ESPN veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Smith has labeled Dončić a “defensive liability,” suggesting that he still has room for improvement on the two-way part of his game, something LeBron has done throughout his career.
For all the clarity their clutch player recognition and complementary playmaking potential is, though, just feels like ‘passing of the torch’. But Dončić’s shift to the Lakers — where he now plays with his childhood idol — represents a turning point in his career. With LeBron’s career slowly phasing out, Dončić could command more of a role and highlight the pivoting future for the Lakers.
READ: Lakers Teases Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic for Stealing Spotlight with Twin Look
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
