Nikola Jokic Makes Luka Doncic Statement Before All-Star Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 3:55 PM ET

The All-Star break is here and many players are getting a much-needed mid-season breather. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is one of the most dominant players in the league, so he's busy with All-Star festivities before the game on Sunday night.

One familiar face won't be at the event, though, as Luka Doncic won't be in the Chase Center, hosted by the Golden State Warriors, during the All-Star game. He's been injured since Christmas, which is the reason for his absence.

Doncic has played two games before the All-Star break since the return of his injury, though he suited up in purple and gold with the Los Angeles Lakers rather than as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite many games being played, the shock of Doncic being a Laker hasn't fully waivered. Jokic was asked about the superstar's trade, and he kept it quite simple.

“He was building something there. He was hurt," Jokic said.

Asked Nikola Jokic about his good friend Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers:

“He was building something there. He was hurt.”

Is it weird not having Luka at All-Star festivities?

“It’s weird because we always have a good night before the game.” pic.twitter.com/e2RMjljcuU
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 15, 2025

It's known the two are good friends, and always enjoyed some quality time at the All-Star Game -- as the two generational talents are frequent at the event.

Is it weird not having Doncic at the game for Jokic?

“It’s weird because we always have a good night before the game," Jokic said.

Jokic and Doncic typically get to enjoy their mid-season break with a good night out with one another, but the Lakers superstar's injury keeping him out of the game changed that this season.

The Nuggets superstar is having to find a new way to spend the night before the game.

For Doncic, the break is quite beneficial as he can now focus on getting fully healthy and 100% so he can ramp up his action on the hardwood with the Lakers looking to make a playoff push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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