Is Luka Doncic the Next NBA Legend in the Making? The Shocking Comparisons Revealed!

Luka Doncic’s journey with the Los Angeles Lakers is stirring up some serious chatter — and not just because of his jaw-dropping plays. Imagine a young star channeling a bit of Michael Jordan’s relentless fire, that same unyielding drive Jordan showed back in the late ’80s, when those grueling battles with the Pistons nearly broke his spirit — but didn’t. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan didn’t pull any punches comparing Luka’s commitment to that historic grind. Now, with a trimmed waistline and a chip on his shoulder after a tough exit against the Celtics and some heat from Dallas, Luka’s transformation isn’t just physical — it’s a statement. Could he, like MJ, flip the script and lead the Lakers to the championship promised land? Or is this just another season of near misses? Either way, watching Luka carve his legacy has become one of the most intriguing stories in the NBA right now.

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers — (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers is easily one of the best players in the NBA.

In some ways, he is unlike anyone who has come before him, although others compare him to basketball royalty.

According to LakersMuse, LA assistant coach Nate McMillan recently said that Doncic is like Michael Jordan because of his “commitment and dedication to become great after he lost to the Pistons in 1989 and 1990.”

Lakers Assistant Coach Nate McMillian compares Luka Doncic’s work ethic to Michael Jordan’s commitment and dedication to become great after he lost to the Pistons in 1989 and 1990

Via @TheSportsShop1 pic.twitter.com/gyAQqKSh8L

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 7, 2025

Back in the late 80s, Jordan and his Chicago Bulls were attempting to become the greatest team in the league.

But they had a tough time pushing beyond the dominant Detroit Pistons.

However, Jordan never gave up, dug deep, and helped turn things around for his team at the end of the 1990-91 season, when they overtook the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals and then beat the Lakers for a championship.

McMillan sees similarities in Doncic, and Lakers fans hope he’s right.

Like Jordan, Doncic came close to winning a title a couple of years ago, but fell short against the Boston Celtics.

Since then, he has moved to a new team and heard criticism from his previous squad, the Dallas Mavericks.

Because of that, he is more motivated than ever before and has a lot to prove.

Over the last several weeks, people have talked about Doncic’s physical transformation during the offseason.

It is clear that he’s attempting to put himself in the best position to lead the Lakers to the postseason promised land.

Will he follow in the footsteps of Jordan and finally achieve his goal of winning a championship next season?

Doncic has a chip on his shoulder and less weight around his waist – how will that help the Lakers?

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