Former Los Angeles Lakers Star Said Luka Doncic Was 'Too Big' For Dallas

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Sasha Vujacic recently said that Luka Doncic was “too big” for the Dallas Mavericks. Here’s why Vujacic, 41, commented on Doncic, 26, and the Mavericks.

Former Lakers Star Said Doncic Was “Too Big” For DAL

In a recent interview, Sasha Vujacic said that Luka Doncic was “too big” for the Dallas Mavericks. Vujacic also claimed that Doncic’s star power was being wasted on the Mavericks. Vujacic said, “Not to diss Dallas, I think Luka’s lights and capability was way too big for Dallas spotlight. I think Luka is a perfect guy that we need in LA to carry us to the next championship.

“I said a long time ago when I watched him play, there are glimpses that I see from Kobe, like in his eyes, like he plays with a smile, but he wants to kill you. There was a saying in our locker room: When you smell blood, you go at him, right? And I think that Luka is one of those very few individuals in the league that has that demeanor and has that mindset of trying to go to the next level. I think it’s going to be a fun year, and I’m really happy he’s with us.”

Vujacic has a good point. Doncic can be the successor to the late Kobe Bryant in terms of being a so-called “killer” and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to success.

Former Lakers Star’s Career

Vujacic’s professional basketball career echoed Doncic’s. Vujacic began his career closer to home, playing for the Snaidero Udine in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, from 2001 to 2004. Doncic began by playing for Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain.

The two Slovenian natives were first-round picks in 2001 and 2018. The two Slovenians were also key players for the Lakers, with Vujacic playing for the Purple and Gold from 2004-2010, and Doncic beginning a new journey on February 10, 2025.

Final Thoughts

Vujacic’s words paint a picture of the Los Angeles Lakers’ future. Doncic has been embracing his role as the Lakers’ centerpiece, and next season would be an opportunity for him to play a crucial role in LA. Doncic will likely learn from LeBron James in terms of talent and leadership. James, 40, might play his final season with the Lakers in the 2025-26 NBA season. If so, Doncic can become the Lakers’ next big star.