Doncic says the quality of international players is getting higher and higher
2025-10-12 07:17
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić discussed the performance level of foreign players in the NBA during an interview, stating that the strength and level of international players are now getting higher and higher.
Luka Doncic, 26, was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February and played 28 games for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024/25 NBA regular season, averaging 28.2 points per game, 43.8% shooting and 37.9% three-point shooting.
In addition to Luka Dončić, foreign players such as Gilgeous-Alexander, Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic all play extremely important roles in the NBA.
Luka Dončić said in an interview, “I think the level of international basketball is getting higher and higher, which is really exciting because the whole world is watching the NBA now, and this is precisely because there are so many international players.”
"Of course, American players are still exceptional, but we are catching up as you know."
In addition, when asked about what would happen if a one-on-one matchup really happened, Luka Dončić believed that the peak showdown would be between Kyrie Irving and Victor Wembanyama.
Luka Doncic said, "This is a difficult question because there are too many outstanding players. But I think Victor Wembanyama will make it to the finals because it is almost impossible to score against him in a one-on-one situation. It's too difficult. The other one I would choose is Kyrie Irving. His one-on-one skills are really incredible, so I think it will be a duel between the two of them."
"And Kyrie Irving's ball-handling talent can't be learned. He tried to teach me that, but it was impossible. The things he does, no one else can do."
Luka Doncic also said, "I've seen too many of his performances in training. In that situation, he tries more moves than in the game. In the game, he will also do things that others dare not try, and when you think you have finally defended him, he will always find a way to break through and layup."
