The story of Luka Dončić’s rise and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Lakers’ newest superstar.
Nothing seems to faze Luka Dončić in his path towards NBA greatness. In what has been a whirlwind of a season and year, he still finished the season ranked in the top five in points per game and is gearing up for a playoff push on the No. 3 seed in the West.
Dončić’s path towards a life of basketball is reflected in Episode 4 of “Pass The Rock: Season 3.” The NBA Entertainment original provides fans with all-access coverage into the lives of the game’s youngest stars in their on-and off-court endeavors.
Embracing change and doing what is necessary to achieve goals seems to be embedded second nature to Dončić — something that’s evident from his upbringing.
At 13, Dončić moved by himself from Slovenia to Spain to embark on his basketball dreams, having signed a deal with Real Madrid. That basketball dream came from within, despite his ties to the game.
“I do not push him to play basketball. If he chooses basketball, then great. If not, then ok,” recalls Dončić’s father, Sasa.
A former basketball player himself, there’s no doubt some of his talent was passed down to Luka, but as for his drive and pure persistence to be great, that was all manifested within.
Dončić learned a lot over the past year, with growth and change seeming to be the two constants.
“Personally, I learned a lot for what it takes to win,” Dončić said after being defeated in the 2024 NBA Finals.
Then came the change.
“It was a hard moment for me, it was home,” Dončić muttered as he sat next to Rob Pelinka in his opening news conference with the Lakers, in what now marked his second time leaving home in pursuit of basketball excellence.
In a life that resembles anything but ordinary, his performance on the court seems to reflect just that: extraordinary.
The Lakers begin their opening series Saturday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
