Lakers' Luka Doncic says he grew up idolizing this NBA legend

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic says grew up idolizing one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Doncic told Forbes' Tianna Randall that he looked up to Michael Jordan during his childhood.

Doncic initially signed with MJ's Jordan Brand in 2019, becoming the company's first European-born signature athlete. He agreed to a contract extension with the brand in 2023 that keeps him with Jordan through 2029.

His fifth signature sneaker, the Luka 5, is set to release this January. 

"I grew up idolizing MJ," Doncic said. "And while the Luka 5 introduces new technology, a refreshed aesthetic, and a new narrative, Jordan remains a central reference point, not only for his dominance on the court, but for how he helped pioneer contemporary sneaker culture."

MORE: Ben Simmons is going pro in a sport you'd never expect

Doncic understands the importance of connecting his game on the court to his personal brand. He said he models every aspect of his basketball image after Jordan, who served as a pioneer for the NBA's global popularity. 

"I idolized the way he played, his competitiveness," Doncic said. "I try to bring that same mentality to my game, so being part Jordan Brand is special. It's about keeping that winning mindset in everything I do."

Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls for the second time in Jan. 1999, a few weeks before Doncic was born in Serbia. But the admiration the two have for one another is evident.

“The Luka 5 is built for how I play – quick changes of pace, cutting at different angles, and keeping my balance everywhere on the court," Doncic said. 

More NBA news:

• Steph's quote about Klay will bring a tear to Warriors fans
• Joe Mazzulla wants to get a pet wolf
• Steven Adams has the craziest eating habits in the NBA
• Anthony Edwards had an "I'm him" moment vs. Thunder
• We finally know how Michael Jordan really feels about Scottie Pippen
• Cooper Flagg's clutch stats are unprecedented