An underrated aspect of the impact a Hall of Fame veteran can have on a budding superstar is the guidance and professionalism they offer. This is what Luka Dončić recalls learning from the great Dirk Nowitzki in the lone season they spent together with the Dallas Mavericks.
Although a surprise trade has meant that Dončić will no longer carry Nowitzki’s torch for the franchise that drafted him, Dončić is ready to take the City of Angels by storm for the Los Angeles Lakers.
How Did Dirk Nowitzki Impact Luka Dončić During Their Time in Dallas?
“Professionalism,” Dončić recalls, reflecting on what he learned from the sole year he spent beside Nowitzki in his rookie year. “How professional he was with everything in his 21st season. He had the whole routine every day; the routine was unbelievable to see.”
Nowitzki was the greatest player in franchise history for the Mavericks, averaging over 20 points per game over 1522 games. A career topped off with an MVP in the 2006 season, and by beating LeBron James’ Miami Heat in 2011 for the NBA Championship.
Luka Dončić on what Dirk Nowitzki taught him in the only season they played together with the Mavericks:
“Professionalism. How professional he was with everything in his 21st season. He had the whole routine everyday…” #MFFL
(🎥: @WSJMag) pic.twitter.com/MQqd0Bqxu6
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 16, 2025
Ironically, Dončić has now joined forces with James at the twilight of his career with the Lakers, presumably carrying his torch once James decides to hang up his sneakers or leave the Lakers.
Dončić is looking in phenomenal shape for the upcoming NBA season. With an emphasis on improved conditioning this offseason, the rest of the league should beware. Especially judging by the spectacular performances he put together for Slovenia in the EuroBasket tournament. Finishing first in points per game (34.7) and third in assists (7.1) for the tournament.
Despite the shock of the midseason trade to the Lakers, he still put up sturdy numbers for his new side, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. With a full offseason under his belt to get comfortable, plus a renewed focus, he looks primed for a monster season for the Lakers.
The Mavericks chose to deal Dončić, causing fan fury. Surprisingly, they did not consult Nowitzki on the deal, despite him holding an advisory role with his beloved team. As stated later, the news utterly shocked him, declaring, “This trade Really Hurt.”
“I don’t think anyone saw it coming that the Mavs would ever trade Luka. So for me, it was totally unexpected, completely out of nowhere. I was so stunned that I just put everything aside. We were supposed to go for a quick lunch with the family before flying out, but instead, I sat in my room for an hour, scrolling through X, trying to figure out if it was real,” Nowitzki had revealed.
Nevertheless, possibly with the insights his close friend Nowitzki helped pass on to him from his rookie season back in 2018-19, Dončić is primed to forge his own legendary career.
