NBA Legend Says Los Angeles Lakers Are Luka Doncic’s Team Now
NBA legend Dominique Wilkins recently made headlines with a recent opinion. Wilkins, 65, is a former NBA forward who primarily played for the Atlanta Hawks. He’s a nine-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA Team member. He’s known as one of the most acrobatic slam-dunkers in NBA history, earning the nickname “the Human Highlight Film.” He currently serves as the Hawks’ Vice President of Basketball Operations.
NBA Legend Says Lakers Are Doncic’s Team
LeBron James has been the headliner of the Los Angeles Lakers since 2018, but Wilkins said that won’t be the case moving forward. Wilkins said it’s transition time in Los Angeles as James, 40, is aging and Luka Doncic is amid his prime.
In an exclusive interview with ESports Insider, Wilkins said, “It’s definitely Luka’s team … A 25-year-old guy compared to a guy who is 40? You should be willing to hand over those ranks to him. I don’t think that’s even a question. I think that’s what the plan is.”
NBA Legend Talks Doncic Trade
Wilkins talked about the Doncic trade, too. Doncic, now 26, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Wilkins said, “Like everybody across the world, I was shocked. Luka, 25 years old and one of the top five or six players in the league. You trade a player like that? That’s a tough one to digest. Everybody was shocked, and maybe there was something there we don’t know. Who knows? But wherever he plays, they are going to be a team that has a chance.”
Wilkins’ statement showed that he’s human like the rest of us. Wilkins was understandably shocked, but at least he kept things real. Doncic’s services could help virtually any team succeed, even if it’s just for one season. Doncic is a generational player who’s widely known for his athleticism, toughness, ball-handling, shooting, and high basketball IQ.
Final Thoughts
Wilkins didn’t stop with the Doncic trade talk. Wilkins also chimed in on the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate.
Wilkins said, “Michael Jordan made six Finals and won six championships with the same team. And he won three championships after retiring to play another sport. Nothing like that has ever been done before. MJ did some things that no one will ever do. So if I’m going with the best player to ever play, that’s where my mindset sits. I’m going with Michael. That’s no disrespect to anybody, but I’m looking at what he accomplished in a short period of time.”
The James vs. Jordan GOAT debate is subjective, but Jordan has a slight edge over James. Jordan has a large points-per-game lead over James, but James’ two extra assists per game eventually led to more points per game for his three teams. Jordan achieved significant scoring milestones, not to overshadow James as the NBA’s all-time scoring leader. It’s important to note Jordan and James played in different eras, so both cases can be valid.
