Although Luka Dončić and Jalen Brunson have not shared the court as teammates in several years, the two former Dallas Mavericks stars remain close friends.

The Los Angeles Lakers star guard recently revealed that he stayed in touch with Brunson throughout the NBA Finals and made sure to congratulate him after the New York Knicks secured the championship.

Speaking during an appearance with Drafteados, Dončić praised Brunson not only for his basketball ability but also for the mentality that has helped him become one of the league's top players.

Dončić mentioned how great a person his former teammate is and the mentality he has that separates him from other players in the NBA.

 "He has a winner mentality that makes him different from other players," Dončić said. "We talk all the time. We talked before the last game. I said you've got one more, and of course, after he won, I congratulated him on the title."

The comments highlight the relationship the two stars have maintained since Brunson left Dallas in free agency in 2022.

During their four seasons together with the Mavericks, they formed one of the NBA's most promising young backcourts and helped lead the franchise to the Western Conference Finals.

While their careers have since taken different paths, their friendship has clearly remained intact.

Brunson has blossomed into the face of the Knicks franchise, earning All-Star honors and cementing himself as one of the NBA's elite guards.

This postseason, he took another step by leading New York to an NBA championship after 53 years, delivering on the expectations that accompanied his rise over the past several years.

Dončić, who entered his first full season with the Lakers, watched his former teammate's run from afar and offered support before the championship-clinching game.

After Brunson and the Knicks completed the job, Dončić immediately reached out again to congratulate him on capturing the first title of his career.

The Lakers superstar's remarks also revealed what he believes separates Brunson from many of his peers.

Rather than pointing to his scoring ability or clutch shot-making, Dončić emphasized his winning mentality, suggesting that his competitive mindset is what truly makes him special.

It is a fitting endorsement coming from someone who spent years sharing a locker room and backcourt with Brunson before both players evolved into franchise cornerstones for different organizations.

Although Lakers and Knicks fans are unlikely to see the duo reunite anytime soon, Dončić's comments serve as a reminder that the bond they built in Dallas extends far beyond basketball.

Now the Lakers look to build around Dončić for the future and potentially Austin Reaves by his side, like Brunson did alongside the Don.

Even after years apart and with a championship now on Brunson's résumé, the respect and friendship between the two stars remains as strong as ever.