Luka Doncic’s NBA journey has been filled with milestones, records, and moments that already place him among the greats of the game. But one memory from his early days still resonates deeply with him: advice from Kobe Bryant that prepared him for the challenges of being a young European star in the NBA.
In an interview with The One by the Wall Street Journal, Doncic reflected on both the surreal experience of facing Kobe on the court and a piece of wisdom the Lakers legend gave him before his rookie season.
“Before I started my NBA season, there was one thing he said, ‘Watch out, you’re European. They’re gonna be after you.’ And he was right.”
Kobe’s words were more than just a warning; they were an acknowledgment of the extra scrutiny and skepticism European players often face when entering the league.
Despite the success of international stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol before him, Doncic knew he would have to prove himself in a league that can be unforgiving to outsiders. And as Kobe predicted, critics questioned everything from his athleticism to his ability to adapt to the NBA’s speed and physicality.
Doncic, of course, silenced those doubts quickly. By his rookie year’s end in 2019, he had averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors. What began as a challenge to prove himself has since become a case study in how an international prospect can dominate the modern NBA.
But Doncic’s memories of Kobe aren’t limited to pre-season advice. He also recalled one unforgettable on-court moment when Bryant trash-talked him in Slovenian.
“First of all, I would say he was trash talking me in my language, so I was kind of surprised. I just looked over and it was Kobe. It was kind of surreal moment that I will never forget.”
For Doncic, who grew up idolizing Bryant in Slovenia, hearing his hero speak to him in his native tongue was both shocking and inspiring. It was a reminder that Kobe had not only studied his game but also taken the time to connect with him in a way few opponents ever could.
The encounter has only grown in significance since Kobe’s tragic death in 2020. For Doncic, the words of warning and that surreal trash-talking moment serve as both a cherished memory and a source of motivation.
Now 26 and the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers following his blockbuster trade from Dallas, Doncic’s career reflects just how much he’s lived up to Kobe’s challenge. He has embraced the pressure, carried teams deep into the postseason, and positioned himself as one of the league’s most skilled and relentless superstars.
Kobe Bryant’s message that being European meant the road would be tougher was not a deterrent. For Luka Doncic, it became a driving force, shaping the mindset of one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
