Luka Doncic receives Kobe Bryant comparison from Lakers teammate

Luka Doncic received immense comparison by fellow countrymen Sasha Vujacic involving Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Luka Doncic receives Kobe Bryant comparison from Lakers teammate

Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant

Ever since Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Slovenian was flooded with praises from various NBA analysts, ex-players, coaches, etc. Numerous comparisons were made with Doncic and former NBA greats. However, the one that stood out was the most recent one coming from a former Laker, Sasha Vujacic.

Vujacic made an appearance on the recent segment of the Out The Mud podcast. The former Laker spoke about various topics in and around the NBA. However, his take on Doncic made headlines among the NBA community.

Vujacic claimed that Doncic reminds him of the late great Kobe Bryant. That’s quite a huge assessment, given Doncic’s time at the Lakers.

I’ll be honest, I watched him play and he might be the only one that reminds me little bit more than anybody else of Kobe. The reason being, he plays with a smile…and he can smell blood, something that Kobe used to say.

Sasha Vujacic said

For those who are unfamiliar with Vujacic, after joining the Lakers in 2004, he won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. During his stay, Vujacic established a crucial role as a perimeter shooter and dependable backup. Lakers fans lovingly refer to him as “The Machine” because of his confident hitting and occasionally clutch performances.

Hence, these words coming out of the former Lakers’ mouth for Doncic have to be taken into consideration. The Lakers superstar has been an immediate impact on his side since his arrival in February. Although he started poorly, Doncic quickly made amends with a series of top performances for his side and has not stopped since then.

His latest performance came against his former side, the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Doncic dropped a whopping 45-points on the Mavs, showcasing his talent and skill throughout the game.

Sasha Vujacic made an important declaration regarding Kobe Bryant

Everyone in and around the NBA knew that Kobe Bryant had a tough approach towards his teammates. Bryant was not someone who would mince his words, if something bothered him, he would address it directly. About this, Sasha Vujacic made an interesting declaration about Bryant.

Nobody liked Kobe, let’s be honest. Everybody was jealous. Hated him because he was different. We just kind of connected, he knew he could count on me. 

Sasha Vujacic said

He clarified that people who comprehended Bryant’s strategy were ultimately motivated. Despite his strong bond with the champion, Vujacic was also impacted by the Mamba way of thinking. He demonstrated that in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals by making critical free throws that increased the Lakers’ advantage.

This was only one example. Millions are still inspired by Bryant’s morals and mindset, despite the fact that he was rather rough.

Lakers legend Pau Gasol chimed in on Luka Doncic’s performance against the Mavs

When Luka Doncic broke down in tears during a memorial video before Wednesday night’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers game, every NBA fan was in stitches. But when he scored an incredible 45 points (along with eight rebounds and six assists) in L.A.’s 112–97 victory, he had them on their feet.

Lakers legend Pau Gasol chimed in on this as well. He took to X to praise Doncic for his amazing night at the American Airlines Center.

Bravooo @luka7doncic!! What an extraordinary performance in such an emotional night coming back to Dallas. Amazing welcome and love from the Mavs fans but I’m happy you’re a Laker!

Pau Gasol wrote on X

Just like Doncic, Gasol also was traded to the Lakers during his playing days. He later went on to create a legacy alongside his best friend and teammate, the late Kobe Bryant. To sum up, Gasol is most likely the one who understands Doncic’s situation the best.