Lakers’ Luka Doncic Reveals Major Lesson Dirk Nowitzki Taught Him
September 18, 2025
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Although Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki spent only one season together in Dallas, it’s clear that the Hall of Famer made a lasting impact on the Slovenian star.
Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Doncic sat down with the Wall Street Journal this week to discuss a wide range of topics, including his time in Dallas.
After talking about his first impressions of Texas prior to the 2018-19 season, Doncic was asked about the biggest takeaway from his time playing alongside Nowitzki during his rookie year:
“Professionalism. How professional he was with everything, even in his 21st season. He had the whole routine every day. Start this at that time, he would start at that time. Just the routine was unbelievable to see.”
While Nowitzki has been open about the fact that he believes he should have retired sooner, his decision to stick around for one more year helped establish a relationship with Doncic and his family that’s continued to this day.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 15: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki talks with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after the Mavericks defeated the Suns 123-90 in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs… PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 15: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki talks with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after the Mavericks defeated the Suns 123-90 in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 15, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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In the wake of the Luka Doncic trade, Nowitzki has not only been open about the rift between himself and the Mavericks’ front office, but he’s also made it clear that he’s going to continue to support the 26-year-old star.
Following Doncic’s trade to LA, Nowitzki flew out to LA to watch his debut against the Utah Jazz in early February.
In response to the move, which caught the attention of fans, the Hall of Famer took to social media, writing:
“I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic in the first game of his new chapter!”
I will always be a Mav for life, but had to come support my guy 77 @luka7doncic in the first game of his new chapter!
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 11, 2025
Nowitzki then notably attended Doncic’s first game back in Dallas on Apr. 9, where the Lakers secured a spot in the playoffs with a 112-97 win.
The game saw Luka Doncic, who was left teary-eyed by a pre-game tribute from the Mavs, score 45-points on 7-10 from beyond the arc.
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