Interview with Luka Doncic, NBA Star and Youth Basketball Advocate

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Luka Doncic, NBA Star and Youth Basketball Advocate

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In this exclusive interview, Luka Doncic, the sensational NBA player recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, sits down with LeBron James and Steve Nash to discuss his journey, his experience playing alongside one of his idols, and his passionate work in youth basketball development. From his transition to life in Los Angeles to his innovative efforts through the Luka Doncic Foundation, Luka shares candid insights into both his professional career and his vision to improve the landscape of youth sports worldwide.

Can you share specific habits or qualities of LeBron that have stood out to you?

🏀 Playing with LeBron James: A Dream Come True

What has it been like playing alongside LeBron James, someone you looked up to as a kid?

Playing with LeBron has been incredible. I’ve never played with a guy like him before. Moving to Los Angeles midseason was a big change, but being on the same court with LeBron is unbelievable. I’ve learned so much from him, not just on the court but off it too. For example, he shows up to the arena 10 hours before the game, already done with his workout. That kind of dedication is inspiring.

Absolutely. One thing that really struck me is how he controls the pace of the game. No matter how fast or physical the opponents try to be, LeBron moves at his own pace. He never lets anyone dictate where he’s going on the floor. It’s always the opposite. That calmness under pressure helps the whole team stay ready and balanced. Also, his passing ability is legendary. Watching him make plays that only a few players in history can make is something special.

LeBron, what’s it like playing with Luka, given your similarities in style?

Luka and I share a lot of traits in how we read the game and handle the ball. We both can bully bigger defenders or outsmart smaller ones. Watching him develop and get better every day has been exciting. We’re still figuring out our chemistry on the court, but games like the one against Oklahoma City show how effective we can be when we share the ball and get everyone involved.

Luka, your passing game is admired for its creativity, especially your “lazy” late passes. How did that develop?

That’s something I developed over time, especially after joining the NBA. As a kid, I didn’t make those passes much. But over time, I learned to trust my teammates and anticipate where they would be. When I go up to shoot, I tell my teammates to stay in their spots because if I don’t have a good option, I’ll pass it back to them. It’s about vision and timing, catching defenders off guard when they think the play is over.

🌴 Adjusting to Life in Los Angeles

Moving from Slovenia to Los Angeles is a huge cultural shift. How have you adjusted to living in one of the biggest cities in the world?

It’s been a big change, but I really like it here. One of the first things I noticed and loved is the ocean. It’s the first city I’ve played in that has an ocean nearby, and I enjoy that a lot. The only downside is the traffic, which is pretty intense. But I’m quiet and unassuming, so the Hollywood scene doesn’t bother me much. It’s been amazing to see famous people courtside at games, but I just focus on my basketball and family life.

Have you had a chance to explore outside of LA yet?

Not much yet, but I’m interested in places like Santa Barbara. I went there once when I was younger and really liked it. It’s peaceful and reminds me a bit of Slovenia. I’m looking forward to driving around and exploring more of Southern California’s beautiful spots.

đź“š Luka Doncic Foundation and Youth Basketball Development

What inspired you to commission a detailed study comparing youth basketball development in Europe versus the United States?

Seeing more kids quitting sports these days really motivated me. I wanted to understand why and how we could make basketball more fun and accessible for young players. That’s why we did a study called Inside Youth Basketball, which is over 300 pages long. It compares how kids grow up playing basketball in Europe and the US, looking at both strengths and weaknesses of each system.

What are some key findings from this study, especially regarding why kids quit sports?

The biggest issue is that many kids lose the joy of playing because of too much pressure and commercialization. Studies show that 70% of kids quit youth sports by age 13. There’s so much focus on competition, training, and tournaments that the fun gets pushed out. Kids need to have fun playing, especially when they’re young, but the current system often doesn’t allow that.

Luka, can you share a bit about your own childhood and how you fell in love with basketball?

I played a lot of sports growing up—tennis, soccer, volleyball—but basketball was my favorite. My dad Sasha played in the Euro League, so basketball was always around. I spent a lot of time outside playing hoops after school, just having fun with friends. There were no personal trainers or skill coaches back then, just playing and practicing on the court.

LeBron, what about you? When did basketball become your passion?

For me, it was never just one moment. I grew up playing all kinds of sports, running around with my friends until it got dark. Watching NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, and Grant Hill inspired me. Their commercials, their style, their sneakers—it all made me want to play. When I started playing in competitive youth leagues, I loved the challenge and the chance to win trophies and medals. That competitive spirit fueled my passion.

⚙️ The Commercialization of Youth Sports and Its Impact

Steve Nash, how do you view the current state of youth sports, especially basketball?

Youth sports have become highly commercialized. What used to be informal play in parks and streets is now a business with personal trainers, year-round programs, and tournaments. While these programs have their benefits, they often take away the freedom and joy of playing informally. Kids rarely get to just go outside and play with their friends anymore.

Luka, do your sons still play informally or mostly in organized programs?

Very rarely do they play outside informally now. Most of their basketball is indoors and part of organized programs. That’s just how it is today with the way youth sports are structured, especially in places like Southern California and South Florida where we live. It’s a different pace of life compared to when we were kids.

LeBron, how do you see this commercialization affecting kids’ development and love for the game?

The commercialization puts a lot of pressure on kids and families. Parents feel they have to invest in trainers and programs to give their kids a chance, which can be overwhelming. This pressure often leads to burnout, with kids quitting sports by their early teens. I grew up playing multiple sports throughout the year, which helped me develop different skills and kept the fun alive. The current system doesn’t always allow that flexibility.

How do you think we can bring back the joy and creativity in youth sports?

Luka and I both believe it starts with letting kids play informally and explore. Trial and error, making mistakes, and playing games like “21” or “33” helped us develop creativity and resilience. We want to educate coaches and programs to focus on fun and development rather than just competition and commercialization. Our goal with the Luka Doncic Foundation and the Inside Youth Basketball study is to combine the best parts of European and American systems to make youth basketball more enjoyable and effective.

👨‍👦 Parenting Through the Youth Sports Journey

LeBron, as a parent, how do you manage the pressure and demands of youth basketball for your sons?

It’s a balancing act. My wife Savannah and I make sure our boys take breaks from basketball, especially in the summer. Unlike today’s year-round tournaments, when I was growing up, there was usually a break after early July. We want our kids to avoid burnout and have family time too. Taking time off helps them come back hungry and refreshed. It’s important to remind kids that it’s okay to play video games or just hang out sometimes—that balance is critical.

Luka, what’s your approach as a parent with your sons playing basketball?

Similar to LeBron, we try to make sure they enjoy the game and don’t get overwhelmed. We encourage them to have fun and not just treat basketball as a job. It’s important to have time for family and other interests. We want them to grow up loving the game, not feeling pressured or burnt out.

🌟 Why Youth Sports Matter Beyond the Game

Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James emphasize that youth sports are about more than just developing elite athletes. They’re about giving kids a space to learn teamwork, resilience, and collaboration. Sports offer invaluable lessons that help kids succeed in life, whether they make it to the NBA or not. The alarming statistic that 70% of kids quit sports by age 13 highlights a systemic issue that needs attention.

Through the work of the Luka Doncic Foundation and collaborations with experts like Steve Nash, there is hope for change. By combining the best practices from around the world and focusing on fun, creativity, and balance, youth basketball can become a better experience for kids everywhere.

As Luka puts it, “Let kids have fun like I had when I was growing up.” That simple, powerful message reminds us all why sports matter: for joy, growth, and lifelong memories.

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