Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers is easily one of the best players in the NBA.
In some ways, he is unlike anyone who has come before him, although others compare him to basketball royalty.
According to LakersMuse, LA assistant coach Nate McMillan recently said that Doncic is like Michael Jordan because of his “commitment and dedication to become great after he lost to the Pistons in 1989 and 1990.”
Lakers Assistant Coach Nate McMillian compares Luka Doncic’s work ethic to Michael Jordan’s commitment and dedication to become great after he lost to the Pistons in 1989 and 1990
Via @TheSportsShop1 pic.twitter.com/gyAQqKSh8L
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 7, 2025
Back in the late 80s, Jordan and his Chicago Bulls were attempting to become the greatest team in the league.
But they had a tough time pushing beyond the dominant Detroit Pistons.
However, Jordan never gave up, dug deep, and helped turn things around for his team at the end of the 1990-91 season, when they overtook the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals and then beat the Lakers for a championship.
McMillan sees similarities in Doncic, and Lakers fans hope he’s right.
Like Jordan, Doncic came close to winning a title a couple of years ago, but fell short against the Boston Celtics.
Since then, he has moved to a new team and heard criticism from his previous squad, the Dallas Mavericks.
Because of that, he is more motivated than ever before and has a lot to prove.
Over the last several weeks, people have talked about Doncic’s physical transformation during the offseason.
It is clear that he’s attempting to put himself in the best position to lead the Lakers to the postseason promised land.
Will he follow in the footsteps of Jordan and finally achieve his goal of winning a championship next season?
Doncic has a chip on his shoulder and less weight around his waist – how will that help the Lakers?
NEXT: Luka Doncic Has A Message For His Doubters