Lakers Make Move For Dallas Mavericks Star Luka Doncic “NBA REPORT.
The setting left Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic feeling anxious. And why wouldn’t it? For the first time in his NBA career, he would face LeBron James.
Nearly a year later, Doncic has framed the Los Angeles Lakers jersey that James signed for him following their first matchup. Even if Doncic still maintains those giddy feelings toward James, he no longer appears intimidated matching up against NBA superstars. One of the reasons? Doncic has become one of them.
Normally, I’m never nervous before the game. That game, I was nervous for sure,” Doncic about last year’s matchup with James. “I admire him today, too. He was my idol growing up. It’s not different.”
The 20-year-old Doncic studied James when he first played with Real Madrid, the Slovenian national team and in the Euroleague. During those stints, Doncic offered a blend of versatile scoring and play-making just like James has. That explains why the Mavericks selected Doncic with the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft. That explains why Dallas coach Rick Carlisle became convinced Doncic would be special after seeing him thrive during his first pick-up game before training camp. It explains why Doncic collected eight triple-doubles en route to last year’s Rookie of the Year award.
