James’ message for Dončić: Strive for greatness

James might even overtake Abdul-Jabbar

2. november 2018 ob 10.37 • Los Angeles - MMC RTV SLO

Luka Dončić played against one of the best basketball players of the past decade and his idol, LeBron James. Foto: AP

For the first time in his career, Luka Dončić played against the famous Los Angeles Lakers. This was also the first time he had an opportunity to play against LeBron James and even receive his jersey after the game.

When Dončić first joined the strongest league in the world, the 19-year-old from Ljubljana said that he is looking forward to playing against, not only his great friend Goran Dragić, but also against James, who happens to be his idol. After the eight official game in the Dallas jersey, Dončić got to meet the best basketball player of the NBA League od the past years and Luka was even covering him for some time.
At the end of the game, Luka waited in the hallway near the lockers, where the Los Angeles Lakers rep brought out a signed number 23 jersey that read: ”Strive for greatness”. With a smile on his face and holding the precious jersey – for which, as he said, they agreed during the game – he returned back to the guest’s locker room in the Staples Canter.
"I always wanted his jersey. It was something special to me. I couldn’t wait for this game," said Dončić after receiving the jersey. Even the great LeBron said a few words about Luka: "I think European players are developed faster than NBA guys. He’s been in a pro-development stage for how many years now? Since he was 15? So I don’t think this is new to him and he wasn’t intimidated playing on this level. I think that’s the best thing about European basketball, pro basketball over there. They develop their players so early."