Rick Carlisle coached Luka Dončić before he became a perennial MVP candidate, and the Pacers coach believes the Lakers star remains unlike anyone else.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has worked with several accomplished players throughout his NBA career, but Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić stands alone in his mind.
Carlisle discussed Dončić during an appearance on “The Draymond Green Show,” praising the guard’s talent, intelligence and competitive approach.
“I said this during the year, from a talent standpoint and ability and everything else, he’s the most unique player I’ve ever worked with,” Carlisle said. “He’s just so good. And he’s a killer, you know? He’s a killer competitor, too.”
Carlisle’s assessment carries additional weight because he witnessed the beginning of Dončić’s NBA career firsthand.
Carlisle Watched Dončić Become a Star
Carlisle coached Dončić during his first three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Dončić arrived as a decorated European prospect after winning the EuroLeague championship and MVP award with Real Madrid as a teenager, but he still quickly exceeded lofty expectations.
He won Rookie of the Year in 2019 before earning first-team All-NBA honors in each of the following two seasons under Carlisle. Dončić averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists during his second year, establishing himself as a franchise player before turning 21.
Nov 22, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coachRickCarlisleand forwardLukaDoncic(77) during the game between the Mavericks and the Cavaliers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsCarlisle also compared Dončić’s rebounding and passing ability to Lakers legend Magic Johnson. He credited Dončić with knowing every trick and understanding how to win.
“You put the right guys around him, and I defy you to figure out a way to beat him because he is smart as hell, knows every trick in the book and knows how to win,” Carlisle said.
Lakers Reshape Roster Around Dončić
That challenge now belongs to the Western Conference as L.A. enters a new era centered entirely around Dončić.
The Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves and added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili this summer. These moves have provided Dončić with shooting, secondary ball-handling, and a starting center who can finish pick-and-roll plays and anchor the defensive unit.
Dončić demonstrated last season what he could accomplish when healthy.
He led the NBA with 33.5 points per game while adding 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists across 64 appearances. He recorded 34 double-doubles, eight triple-doubles and 16 performances with at least 40 points.
A Grade 2 left hamstring strain ultimately kept him out of the postseason, where the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second.
His health will therefore be central to L.A.’s championship hopes. LeBron James’ departure also means Dončić will carry even greater responsibility as the team’s offensive engine and locker room leader.
Carlisle understands how difficult Dončić can be to contain in a playoff series. The Lakers have now reshaped their roster around that rare skill set, giving Dončić another opportunity to prove his former coach’s assessment correct.
