Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Nikola Jokic Sends Strong Message About Luka Doncic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 3:57 PM ET

Nikola Jokic and the NBA's other superstars gathered in San Francisco for the league's All-Star break. Before the weekend festivities, the Denver Nuggets star spoke with the media, sharing his thoughts on the season.

After commenting on the Nuggets' progress throughout the season, Jokic was asked about one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NBA history.

Ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, Luka Doncic was shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking move by the Dallas Mavericks.

Jokic commented on the trade, saying he was shocked by the news.

"I think Luka is a generational player, generational talent," 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

"I'm not saying that (Anthony Davis) is not," Jokic said. "I just think did we see somebody like him before, who is affecting the game is so many levels, so many possessions. He was building something there."

Doncic has played two games since being traded from the Mavericks. So far this season, he's averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in 24 games.

Throughout his seven-year NBA career, Doncic has been named a five-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA member.

Doncic is not in this year's All-Star Game. He was not voted in as a starter, finishing third behind Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Stephen Curry among guards. And he missed too much time to get serious consideration as a reserve.

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

More must-reads: