Luka Doncic’s father, Sasa, believes his son was born to play for the Lakers.
Luka Doncic’s father, Sasa Doncic, appeared on the Slovenian television show 24ur where he spoke about his son and the Los Angeles Lakers. Sasa was asked at one point about how Doncic fits in Los Angeles with all the distractions and he believes the star and the city are a match made in heaven.
“We know that Luka plays better when the pressure is bigger,” Sasa said. “I just believe that he is born for this city and this city is made for him. I won’t say literally but it fits with his character. I believe he’ll succeed there.”
Doncic certainly does play better when the pressure is higher. His scoring average of 30.9 points per game in the playoffs is second only to Michael Jordan (33.4) in NBA history. The 26-year-old is not going to crumble under the pressure that comes from wearing that Lakers jersey and will instead thrive.
Sasa’s comments also allay fears of Doncic potentially leaving the Lakers in free agency in 2026 or 2027. The five-time All-Star looks set to stay and he has been making it clear that he is getting more comfortable in his new surroundings too.
Doncic shared his true feelings on life in Los Angeles and he is slowly but surely starting to love the city, the way he loved Dallas. It was always going to take the Slovenian a little bit of time to get over the shock of being traded by the Dallas Mavericks and he is now looking like his old self on the court.
Doncic is averaging 27.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game for the Lakers. He and LeBron James have looked like an unstoppable duo at times in their short tenure as teammates and should only get better with time.
The Lakers are also hoping that Doncic will develop a work ethic like James’ and cut down on the nightlife and drinking. He has the perfect example to follow in LeBron and here’s hoping he does.
Sasa Doncic was also asked about the Lakers’ chances in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. While he wouldn’t guarantee a title, the 50-year-old reckons the team will go far in the postseason.
“They showed that they are a very unfavorable team if they are healthy,” Sasa stated. “They showed that before… I believe that this team of Lakers can do a lot. Also in those couple of games when some injured players came back, [they showed] that they can beat anyone.
“But to be honest, the factor of luck in the playoffs is very important,” Sasa continued. “It can happen some injury of an important player. But I’m sure this team of LA Lakers can go very far.”
The Lakers had an incredible stretch earlier this year where they went 18-3. They looked like one of the best teams in the NBA at the time, but their fortunes have changed recently. The Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak following a 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic. They have dropped to 43-28 this season and are struggling at the worst possible time.
The Lakers need to get back on track sooner rather than later and they’re in action next against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET.