Luka Doncic drops comical 2-word reaction on turning 26 ahead of Clippers-Lakers

Crypto.com Arena buzzed early as the LA Lakers marked the 26th birthday of Luka Doncic. The media promptly followed him once he arrived at the team’s home floor for a game against the LA Clippers on Friday. Doncic was all business entering the venue, knowing the tough matchup the Clippers posed in the “Battle for LA.”

The Slovenian had this to say when a reporter greeted him inside the tunnel:

“I’m old.”

A smile appeared on Luka Doncic’s face before the superstar continued his way to the LA Lakers’ locker room. The joke was not lost on the reporter, who laughed after hearing the response. Doncic is not old. He is only entering the prime years of his already impressive NBA career.

Had the Dallas Mavericks not stunned the world by trading the five-time All-NBA star in early February, Doncic would have instead greeted the reporters in Dallas. The Mavericks had a home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. American Airlines Center would have been ready for the special occasion. Instead, it was business as usual as the Mavs held off the Hornets for a 103-96 win.

LA already has LeBron James’ successor on the roster after exchanging Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic. The Slovenian has a $48.9 million player option ahead of the 2026-27 season when he will be 27. If Lakers GM Rob Pelinka can convince him to stay, he will be the face of the team once King James walks off into the sunset.

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Luka Doncic helped the LA Lakers to a halftime lead against the LA Clippers on his 26th birthday

Luka Doncic was locked in as he walked into Crypto.Com Arena for the showdown against the LA Clippers on Friday. The celebration for his 26th birthday would likely follow after the game. Doncic, in business mode, helped his team to a 59-54 halftime lead.

The former Dallas Mavericks point guard finished the first half with 11 points, three assists, three steals and one rebound. Doncic’s numbers did not express his impact on the game. The Clippers made him the focus of their defense, which helped LeBron James drop 17 in the first half.

Doncic has played well over the last few games after adjusting to his new environment and JJ Redick’s system. He had a key role in the Lakers’ halftime lead against their hometown rivals.