Luka Doncic kept it real ahead of Friday’s game between the Lakers and Trail Blazers.
The Western Conference matchup streamed on Amazon Prime, where Doncic’s mentor and friend Dirk Nowitzki is a part of the NBA crew’s studio show. The former NBA champion sang the superstar’s praises ahead of the matchup, and Doncic was asked if he had anything to say to Nowitzki.
“He don’t even call. He’s in LA and he don’t even call no more, so I expect that dinner soon,” Doncic said. “I expect that call.”
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on November 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
Of course, Doncic was playfully calling out his friend, who has been a longtime supporter of the guard since he was with the Mavericks. Doncic and Nowitzki were franchise stars in Dallas, but the former never got his happy ending with the organization.
Instead, the Mavericks shockingly traded Doncic to the Lakers in February 2025. The blockbuster deal stunned the league and essentially kick-started a new era in Los Angeles.
Dirk Nowitzki attends the NBA On Prime Season 2 Launch Event “The Art Of Basketball” at Storied NYC on October 13, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images for Prime Video
Now, Doncic is officially the Lakers leader as the team has opened the 2026-27 season as one of the top teams in the West. While the 27-year-old is evidently preoccupied with the Purple-and-Gold, he hasn’t forgotten about his longtime mentor.
Nowitzki was asked about Doncic’s pregame comments during the Amazon Prime NBA halftime show, where he laughed at the Lakers superstar’s cheeky answer.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during a game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“I’m big time now,” Nowitzki joked.