While there are a lot of amazing players in the NBA today, there are only a handful of true superstars that truly appeal to fans across the world and there is no doubt that Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is among them.
Not only is Doncic’s skill level and style of play extremely fun to watch, but his attitude and trash-talking also appeals to younger fans and is not something often seen in foreign players. Because of this there are many young American fans who look to emulate Doncic and fellow superstar Kevin Durant believes that is a good thing.
“Because he’s that great. They should get it from him,” Durant said in a special episode of his Boardroom Talks show. “I love when guys want to be like Luka or Michael Jordan or try to emulate them. When you go work out and get as close as you can to that level, you’re going to be a good player… Why not? I love to see Luka, from a different country, crossing people up like we do. He’s bringing that back to where he’s from. That’s a little piece of us there, too, the American culture of basketball.”
Durant makes a great point in that Doncic is extremely influential and beloved in his home country of Slovenia. Most foreigners don’t have that style, swag and attitude that Doncic possesses as it is more of an American trait. But Doncic brings that bit of culture back to Slovenia and can influence that next generation of basketball players.
Young players are gonna be drawn to things that they can actually emulate. Players like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo are physical anomalies, but someone like Doncic, who dominates with pure skill and IQ, is a player many kids can hope to be like. It is similar to the popularity of Stephen Curry as shooting 3-pointers is a skill everyone can work on and improve.
Doncic is a generational talent and there is no denying his popularity around the world. No matter where young players are from, they can all try to be like Doncic and the Lakers superstar embraces and takes on the responsibility as a role model and influence on the next generation.
Austin Reaves sees how popular Luka Doncic is in Slovenia
Austin Reaves and the rest of the Lakers recently got a glimpse as to how popular Doncic is in his home country during their recent minicamp hosted by the superstar. And even Reaves had to admit it was impressive to see how beloved Doncic is in Slovenia.
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