Luka Doncic has always been one of the NBA’s most expressive stars on the court, but in a rare personal moment off the hardwood, the Lakers guard peeled back the curtain during a sit-down with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Known for his fierce competitiveness and elite basketball IQ, Doncic surprised fans by sharing his favorite pop culture indulgences, and they’re as nostalgic as they are endearing.
When asked to name his favorite pop star, Doncic smiled and answered with no hesitation: Michael Jackson.
It’s fitting that the King of Pop tops Luka’s list. Much like Jackson revolutionized music and stage performance, Doncic has brought his own flair and originality to the NBA. His ability to entertain, dominate, and connect with fans is reminiscent of MJ’s global influence — just on the basketball stage.
His favorite boy band? The Backstreet Boys.
The response sent social media into a frenzy, especially among European and American fans who grew up with the iconic band’s catchy hits. It’s yet another window into Luka’s surprisingly laid-back and nostalgic off-court identity.
When Andrews asked about his favorite musical, Doncic answered, Mamma Mia, without a pause. The Slovenian superstar even named “Dancing Queen” as his favorite song from the classic ABBA-themed musical.
For a player who plays with such emotional control, it’s a refreshing twist to know that off the court, he’s happily belting out show tunes in private moments.
Then came the food talk, the comfort zone of many European athletes. Doncic revealed that his favorite dish is pasta, and more specifically, Bolognese.
It’s a meal he’s grown up loving and one that reflects the simple yet rich European traditions that shaped him long before NBA arenas became his stage.
Luka's favorite:
Popstar
Boy band
Musical
Food
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— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) April 24, 2025
This lighthearted segment stood in stark contrast to other parts of the interview, where Doncic opened up about the emotional toll of his blockbuster trade from Dallas to Los Angeles.
He even showed Malika his still-damaged phone, a souvenir from the night he threw it in disbelief upon hearing the news. It was a moment of vulnerability that highlighted the human side of an athlete fans often view as larger than life.
Still, amidst the emotional turmoil and playoff pressure, Luka has found joy again in basketball, in Los Angeles, and in the little things like Michael Jackson tunes and plates of pasta. As the Lakers head to Minnesota for a pivotal Game 3 against the Timberwolves, they’ll be counting on Doncic to keep dancing, both on the court and in spirit.
