For many years, NBA players have swapped jerseys after their games as a sign of respect towards their opponent. It also allows for players to be able to collect memorabilia from their biggest rivals or even players they looked up to prior to joining the league. Oftentimes this takes place with big stars and the Los Angeles Lakers have a couple of those with LeBron James and Luka Doncic regularly being asked.
That was the case on Sunday as the Lakers took on the Philadelphia 76ers on the final game of their road trip, coming away with a hard-fought 112-108 win. Afterwards, Doncic would swap jerseys with second-year 76ers guard Jared McCain and he was very excited to say the least.
In the parking lot after the game, McCain showed off the white jersey he received from Luka, noting that the Lakers superstar actually asked for his jersey as well while also posing for pictures, via Pickuphoop:
Luka and Jared McCain swapped jerseys after the game 🤝 pic.twitter.com/PmDdi1O2KP
— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) December 9, 2025
McCain is a piece of the 76ers’ promising young backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. He got off to a strong start last season before a torn meniscus ended his season early and he is still getting back into a rhythm to start this year.
He is still regarded as an exciting prospect and clearly Doncic recognizes that in him as well, which is why he asked for his jersey when he didn’t necessarily have to. The Lakers star is a fierce competitor and sees a lot in what McCain can ultimately become in this league.
It is always great to see the biggest stars in the league recognize young talent and do little things like this as it can really have an impact. The jersey swaps may seem like a minor thing that players do just for a photo op, but those moments and recognition makes a big difference to many.
Luka Doncic shows love to LeBron James after performance in Lakers’ win vs. Sixers
Luka Doncic was outstanding in the win over the 76ers on Sunday night, leading the Lakers with 31 points and posting a triple-double in his first game back after missing the previous two after going home to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter.
But it was LeBron James who took over in crunch time and carried the Lakers to victory, and Doncic showed his teammate a ton of love after the game for his vintage performance.
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