“Larry Bird Says Pairing Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić on the Lakers Would Create an Unstoppable Force: A Combination of Skill, Vision, and Old-School Grit That Could Redefine Modern NBA Dominance”
NBA legend Larry Bird has never been one to hand out praise easily. But in a recent interview, the Hall of Famer shared bold thoughts on the potential pairing of Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić—two European superstars—on the Los Angeles Lakers, and didn’t hold back his admiration.
“If the Lakers land Jokić to team up with Luka,” Bird said, “you can go ahead and pencil them in for the Finals. That would be the most skilled duo we’ve seen in a long time—maybe ever.”
Bird on Basketball IQ and European Fundamentals
Bird, known for his unmatched basketball IQ and unshakable toughness, emphasized what makes both Dončić and Jokić so special—and how their combined skill sets would revolutionize the Lakers’ offense.
“Jokić plays like a 7-foot point guard, and Luka plays like a 6’7” linebacker who sees the floor like Magic. You put them together? That’s trouble for everybody.”
According to Bird, the two stars bring a rare combination of vision, footwork, timing, and toughness that reminds him of the old-school game—but with a modern twist.
“They don’t beat you with flash. They beat you with intelligence. They make the right pass, they read defenses, and they punish lazy defenders. That’s the kind of basketball I love to watch.”
The Lakers’ Pursuit of a Center-Forward
As the Lakers eye their next move in building around Luka Dončić, acquiring a dominant center-forward is high on their list. And rumors are swirling around Nikola Jokić—who, despite his deep roots in Denver, has reportedly become a surprising target.
Bird addressed the potential shift.
“The Lakers know what they’re doing. If they want to win now and build a legacy team, you go after the guy who changes the game with passing, rebounding, and scoring. Jokić is that guy.”
While Bird made clear that he respects Jokić’s loyalty to Denver, he also acknowledged that a pairing with Dončić in a Lakers uniform could be historic.
“It’s not just about titles,” Bird said. “It’s about watching basketball at its highest form. Those two would give us that.”
A Warning to the League
In true Bird fashion, he closed his thoughts with a dose of competitive fire:
“If that happens, the rest of the league better be ready. You’re not just facing talent—you’re facing two guys who see the game three steps ahead. That’s a nightmare.”
Whether the Lakers can actually pull off a deal for Jokić remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: if Bird’s prediction becomes reality, the league may never be the same again.
