Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic opened up about the first time he met the man widely deemed the greatest player in NBA history.
“Just a normal guy”: Lakers star Doncic on first meeting with NBA icon
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history, thanks to his extraordinary individual achievements and team success. The Chicago Bulls legend defined an era and transformed the league with his electrifying style of play and relentless competitive spirit - whether it was preseason or the playoffs, Jordan played every game like it was Game 7.
Although he retired in 2003, Jordan’s legacy remains as powerful as ever, even 22 years later. He continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike, his influence woven into the very fabric of the sport.
“I was so nervous”
This NBA offseason, Luka Doncic has made headlines - not just for his physical transformation, but for his renewed drive to capture a championship in his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Already considered one of the league’s elite talents, Doncic has drawn comparisons to legends like Jordan and Kobe Bryant. His star power and skill have also made him a prominent face of one of the NBA’s most iconic sponsorships: the Jordan Brand.
This summer, the Lakers’ point guard toured New York City to promote the brand before joining Slovenia’s national team for the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament. During his visit, Doncic was a special guest at a New York Yankees game, where he met slugger Aaron Judge and shared a memorable story about his first ever encounter with Jordan.
“Just a normal guy. I was so nervous when I first met him, so I don’t even remember what I said,” Doncic told YES Network. The 26-year-old added that he found it just as nerve-wracking when he met Lakers icon Bryant - another legend he grew up idolizing and whose playing style he strives to emulate.
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