Doncic's Lighthearted Jab at Nowitzki Goes Viral
Luka Doncic may be lighting up the scoreboard for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he took a moment Friday night to playfully call out his mentor, Dirk Nowitzki. Ahead of the Lakers' 124-118 NBA Cup victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Doncic was asked about Nowitzki, who was working as an analyst for NBA On Prime's studio show. The 27-year-old superstar didn't hold back.
"He don't even call. He's in LA and he don't even call no more, so I expect that dinner soon," Doncic said. "I expect that call."
The comment was made in jest, but it quickly became a talking point. Nowitzki, who was on the halftime show, laughed off the remarks. "I'm big time now," he joked. Later, in a separate reaction, Nowitzki added: "Ah, that's cold. That hurts." The exchange highlighted the close bond between the two former Dallas Mavericks teammates, who shared a locker room during Doncic's rookie season in 2018-19—Nowitzki's final year in the NBA.
A Night of Milestones
Doncic backed up the playful banter with a dominant performance, scoring 53 points to go along with five assists, five rebounds and a steal. The Lakers improved to 8-2 on the season, and Doncic's early-season surge has him averaging a career-high 38 points per game on 49.3% shooting. His play has sparked MVP chatter and even bold comparisons to his former mentor.
The Mentor-Protégé Bond and a Stunning Trade
The relationship between Doncic and Nowitzki has been a storyline since Doncic entered the league. Nowitzki, a Hall of Famer and the seventh-leading scorer in NBA history, served as a mentor during Doncic's first season in Dallas. The two remained close even after Nowitzki retired, and Doncic often credited the German star for helping him adjust to the NBA.
However, Doncic's time in Dallas ended abruptly in February 2025 when the Mavericks shocked the league by trading him to the Lakers. The blockbuster deal stunned fans and analysts, and it essentially kick-started a new era in Los Angeles. Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year career with the Mavericks, has been a longtime supporter of Doncic and has followed his career closely.
The playful exchange on Friday underscores that the bond remains strong despite the distance. Doncic's comment about Nowitzki not calling him since moving to LA was likely a tongue-in-cheek reference to their busy schedules, but it also revealed a desire for continued connection. Nowitzki's response—part joke, part mock hurt—showed he appreciated the shoutout.
Doncic's Rise and the Shadow of Dirk
Doncic's explosive start to the 2026-27 season has fueled debates about his place in NBA history. Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague recently declared on his podcast that Doncic is already better all-time than Nowitzki. "He's better than Dirk, dog. Dirk won a chip, Dirk got a MVP, Dirk is cold but this sht right here? I don't give a fuk about none of that my basketball eyes tell me this motherfu*ker right here is cold," Teague said.
Teague's claim is bold considering Nowitzki's accolades: an NBA championship in 2011, a regular-season MVP in 2007, and 14 All-Star selections. Doncic, meanwhile, has yet to win a title or MVP, though he is a five-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA First Team multiple times. At his current pace, Doncic could crack the top 10 on the all-time scoring list; he already ranks third in career scoring average (29.3 points per game) behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.
The Bigger Picture
The exchange between Doncic and Nowitzki is more than just a humorous aside. It reflects the enduring legacy of mentorship in the NBA and the way stars of different eras connect. Nowitzki, now a media personality, remains a beloved figure in Dallas and beyond. Doncic, now the face of the Lakers, is carving his own path while honoring his roots.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Doncic to see if he can lead the Lakers to a championship and perhaps silence the debate about his standing relative to Nowitzki. For now, the two share a laugh—and a lingering dinner invitation.
Read more: Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Sets December 8 Hulu Premiere, Moves Investigation to London | Veterans Day 2026: What's Open and Closed as Federal Holiday Arrives Amid Record Shutdown
Comments