Dirk Nowitzki Praises Luka Doncic's Playoff Potential with Lakers

Mavericks legend believes Doncic is 'unguardable' and can lead Lakers deep into postseason

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action on the court.Luka Doncic's 'unguardable' play and the Lakers' talented roster make them a formidable playoff contender.Los Angeles Today

Dirk Nowitzki, the former Dallas Mavericks star, has high praise for his former teammate Luka Doncic and the impact he can have on the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming NBA Playoffs. Nowitzki believes the 24-year-old Slovenian superstar is playing 'incredible basketball' and is 'basically unguardable' with his step-back jumper working. With Doncic leading the way and the Lakers' talented roster rallying around him, Nowitzki thinks they could be a dangerous team to face in the postseason.

Why it matters

Doncic's emergence as the Lakers' undisputed superstar, paired with the team's overall talent, makes them a formidable contender in the Western Conference Playoffs. Nowitzki's endorsement of Doncic's 'unguardable' abilities adds to the hype and expectations surrounding the Lakers' playoff run.

The details

Luka Doncic has been on a tear lately, averaging over 40 points per game over the recent stretch. His step-back jumper has been working to perfection, making him nearly impossible to defend. The Lakers' roster is filled with talented players like LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but Doncic has emerged as the team's undisputed superstar. Nowitzki, who played with Doncic during the 2018-19 season, has become a mentor to the young star and has seen his development into one of the NBA's elite players.

  • Doncic has been averaging over 40 points per game in recent weeks.

The players

Luka Doncic

The 24-year-old Slovenian superstar who is leading the Los Angeles Lakers as their undisputed star player.

Dirk Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks legend who played with Doncic during the 2018-19 season and has become a mentor to the young star.

LeBron James

The veteran superstar who is no longer the Lakers' #1 guy, with Doncic now leading the team.

Austin Reaves

A talented player on the Lakers' roster who is helping the team rally around Doncic.

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What they’re saying

“Luka has been playing incredible basketball, on fire for weeks now, averaging almost 40. He has his step back working, and when the step back works, watch out, other teams. He's basically unguardable.”

— Dirk Nowitzki, Former Dallas Mavericks star

What’s next

As the Lakers progress through the season and into the Playoffs, they become a more dangerous team with Doncic leading the way. The team's overall talent, combined with Doncic's 'unguardable' play, makes them a formidable contender in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Dirk Nowitzki's endorsement of Luka Doncic's 'unguardable' abilities and potential to lead the Lakers deep into the Playoffs adds to the hype and expectations surrounding the team. Doncic's emergence as the Lakers' superstar, paired with the team's overall talent, makes them a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.