Donnie Nelson raises bold doubts over Luka Doncic’s influence on Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers hasn’t gone unnoticed and now it’s under fresh scrutiny. A former Dallas Mavericks general manager, Donnie Nelson, who once brought Luka into the NBA, has spoken up about the star’s current form and mindset.

His recent comments have stirred conversation around Luka’s fit in the Los Angeles Lakers. As questions grow, Nelson’s insight adds more heat to an already tense off-season for the Lakers.

Former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson voices concerns about Luka Doncic’s Lakers impact

On June 25, Donnie Nelson, former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Slovenia’s Ekipa newspaper. Nelson, who helped bring Luka into the NBA in 2018, praised his passion for Slovenia’s national team, saying, “Luka would die for his country… You can’t put into words the passion Luka has.”

Nelson also suggested that Luka Doncic’s heart might be more in national duty than NBA life, hinting at pressure to adapt in Los Angeles.Since he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, Luka Doncic has been in the spotlight. He joined a team with little depth and high expectations after the playoffs in first round. Lakers fans and analysts question whether he can lead to another championship.

Donnie Nelson becomes advisor for Slovenia while recalling Luka’s Dallas Mavericks days

Donnie Nelson, who led the Dallas Mavericks from 2005 to 2019, is now part of the Slovenia national team as a special adviser.

In July 2025, he reconnected with Luka Doncic to help shape the team’s strategy for the upcoming season. Nelson’s ongoing friendship and influence date back to Luka’s 2018 NBA draft pick, showing deep trust.

Nelson’s move into European basketball follows his earlier role as an assistant coach with Lithuania’s national team. His relationship with Luka went beyond GM-player, touching on mentorship both in Dallas Mavericks and now on an international stage.Donnie Nelson’s comments add weight to the doubts about Mozart’s place in LA. He pointedly suggested that Luka Doncic’s priorities remain aligned more with national pride than the Los Angeles Lakers’ ambitions. These words carry weight and raise tough questions: Is Luka ready to anchor a franchise, or does his star play best closer to home?Also Read: LeBron James triggers trade buzz with unexpected July 4 visit to Cleveland Cavaliers facilityThe Lakers’ choice to roll out the red carpet continues to face scrutiny. And with former Mavericks staff now evaluating his journey, the pressure on Luka Doncic to prove himself in the Los Angeles Lakers just got louder.