Luka Dončić is More Popular in LA Than LeBron James, Says Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “This is Luka’s City Now”
Luka Dončić has taken the NBA by storm since entering the league, and his rising stardom is undeniable—so much so that basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has declared that the city of Los Angeles may now belong to the young Slovenian star, even outshining local hero LeBron James in popularity.
Following a thrilling matchup between Dončić’s Dallas Mavericks and LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar made waves with a bold statement, claiming that Luka has surpassed LeBron in terms of popularity in Los Angeles. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Lakers icon noted, “This is Luka’s city now,” indicating that the 24-year-old Dončić’s meteoric rise is resonating even in a city historically dominated by the presence of LeBron, a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players of all time.
While LeBron James is still widely regarded as one of the most influential athletes in the world and has built an incredible legacy in Los Angeles since his arrival in 2018, Abdul-Jabbar’s comment underscores the growing enthusiasm for Luka in one of the NBA’s 
Luka’s playstyle, marked by his unique blend of vision, scoring ability, and basketball IQ, has made him one of the most exciting players in the league. Whether it’s his step-back threes, clutch performances in tight games, or his ability to make seemingly impossible plays, Dončić has quickly become the kind of player that excites both casual and die-hard fans alike.
The comment comes after another memorable performance by Luka in Los Angeles, where the Mavericks triumphed over the Lakers in a tightly contested game. Luka’s dynamic showing, including key plays that helped seal the win, left fans buzzing and further fueled the growing Luka-mania. It’s evident that the excitement surrounding the Slovenian superstar is no longer confined to Dallas; it’s spreading far and wide, including in the heart of LA, a city that has historically been home to some of the NBA’s biggest names.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s remark also speaks to the broader narrative of the changing landscape in the NBA. While LeBron James remains a dominant force in the league and a key player for the Lakers, the future of the league is shifting toward young stars like Luka Dončić. The torch is gradually being passed to the next generation, and Luka appears to be at the forefront of that transition.
Abdul-Jabbar’s comments reflect more than just the excitement surrounding a single game; they highlight the impact Luka has made on the entire NBA. As the face of the Mavericks and one of the league’s brightest young talents, Luka’s rise to fame transcends geographic boundaries, and his influence is being felt all over the basketball world—even in places like Los Angeles, where LeBron James has long been the center of attention.
With fans in LA now flocking to see Luka in action and his star continuing to shine, it’s clear that the NBA is entering a new era. And if Abdul-Jabbar’s words are any indication, the future of basketball is very much in Luka Dončić’s hands—both on the court and in the hearts of fans in cities like Los Angeles.
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