Novak Djokovic and Luka Doncic at the LA Lakers Game - Image Source - Getty
Novak Djokovic and Luka Doncic at the LA Lakers Game - Image Source - Getty
Novak Djokovic recently attended an NBA match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, featuring Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The Lakers secured a 128-104 victory, with Doncic contributing more than 28 points for the win.
Djokovic is currently in California, gearing up to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. He reached the Australian Open final in January but lost to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
The 38-year-old attended Doncic's private birthday celebrations after the Lakers secured a comfortable win. He was spotted alongside the basketball player during his cake-cutting ceremony.
Here is the video of the same.
Djokovic and Doncic are among the top athletes in the World. While the former is the only player to win 24-Grand Slam titles, Doncic has been a part of the All-NBA first team five times in his career.
The Slovenian spoke about Djokovic during his post-match press conference and was excited to witness the Serb in attendance. He also called him his GOAT during his interview.
"For me, he's the GOAT, so just for him being here watching me, it's just unreal. I talked to him, I'm gonna see him after, I'm just really excited he's here," Doncic said.
Djokovic is known to be an avid basketball fan and also attended Nikola Jokic's game in 2024. He is the third seed in Indian Wells this year and is most likely to begin his campaign on Saturday (March 7, 2026).
Novak Djokovic is a five-time champion in Indian Wells
Novak Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty
Novak Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty
Novak Djokovic has made an excellent start to the season so far. He was one win away from winning his 25th Major title in Melbourne, but Carlos Alcaraz stood in his way in the final.
The Serb will aim to continue his rich vein of form in Indian Wells. He is a part of the second quarter of the men's singles draw and is likely to begin his campaign against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Djokovic has struggled to get past the third round since 2017, but is a five-time champion at the event. He secured title-winning runs in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
The former World No. 1 has only won 14 out of the last 16 matches on the ATP Tour. If he manages to get past the initial few rounds, he could face Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals and Carlos Alcaraz in the last four.