While Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is often described as a shy and quiet man off the court, his personality on the court seems to change completely.
Luka is well known for embracing trash talk during games from both opposing players and fans, and it often fuels spectacular performances.
His star teammate Austin Reaves even considered using this trait to the Lakers' advantage, admitting he thought about paying fans to talk trash to Luka to bring out his best.
"I've thought about paying people in the stands to just talk crazy to him, because he goes to that different level." Reaves told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
Doncic himself doesn't have an explanation for what changes when he hits the hardwood.
"My friends always ask me," Doncic said. "I don't know, I just love basketball."
At times, Doncic's fired-up behavior goes too far, leaving him among the league leaders in technical fouls by the end of the season due to arguing with referees.
He picked up his 16th technical foul in March, which triggered a one-game suspension.
Luka mentioned that he already tried a suggested technique of singing his favorite songs in his head to curb his emotions, but it didn't work.
"Tried that. Didn't work," Doncic revealed.
Lakers begin official Luka Doncic era
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers executed a dramatic offseason filled with changes to kickstart a new era with Luka Doncic.
With the departure of LeBron James, the Lakers pursued new faces, adding the likes of Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, Mathysse Thybulle, and Jaden Hardy.
Many of them were signed to long-term deals that sparked mixed reactions among fans and league observers.
Kessler, Mamukelashvili, and Grimes were all signed to four-year deals this summer.
Kessler was signed to a four-year, $130 million contract after a sign-and-trade with Utah, while Grimes and Mamukelashvili were signed to $60 million and $52 million deals, respectively.
Another contract that raised questions was Collin Sexton's two-year, $19 million deal with a player option for the second year.
Additionally, Kessler, Mamukelashvili, and Grimes all have player options in the final year of their contracts.
The Lakers also locked in Austin Reaves as the long-term co-star alongside Doncic in Los Angeles, giving the undrafted star a four-year, $180 million max contract extension.