nypost
Ahead of Friday's Western Conference showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers, Luka Doncic didn't hold back when asked about his mentor and friend, Dirk Nowitzki. The game was streamed on Amazon Prime, where Nowitzki serves as an analyst on the NBA studio show. The former NBA champion had praised Doncic before the matchup, and when Doncic was asked if he had any message for Nowitzki, he responded with a playful jab: 'He don't even call.'
Doncic elaborated on his cheeky complaint, saying, 'He's in LA and he don't even call no more, so I expect that dinner soon. I expect that call.' The exchange was clearly in good fun, as Nowitzki has been a longtime supporter of the young guard since his days with the Dallas Mavericks.
Both Doncic and Nowitzki were franchise cornerstones in Dallas, but Doncic's tenure with the Mavericks didn't end with the storybook finish many had hoped for. In February 2025, the Mavericks shocked the basketball world by trading Doncic to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal that reshaped the league and ushered in a new era in Los Angeles.
Now, Doncic is officially the leader of the Lakers, who have opened the 2026-27 season as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Despite his focus on the Purple and Gold, the 27-year-old superstar hasn't forgotten about his longtime mentor. During the Amazon Prime NBA halftime show, Nowitzki was asked about Doncic's pregame comments and laughed at the cheeky answer, joking, 'I'm big time now.'
Key Analysis
The lighthearted exchange between Doncic and Nowitzki highlights the enduring bond between the two former Mavericks stars, even after Doncic's blockbuster move to Los Angeles. While Doncic has embraced his role as the Lakers' leader, his playful callout shows that he still values his relationship with Nowitzki, who remains a supportive figure in his career. Nowitzki's humorous response suggests the feeling is mutual, and fans can likely expect that dinner invitation to come soon.
Originally reported by nypost.