NBA Champion Coach Makes Stunning Claim About Lakers Star Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic has firmly established himself as one of the league’s best players.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, who previously coached Doncic for his first three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, had lofty praise for the six-time All-Star.

Rick Carlisle on Luka Doncic: 'He's the Greatest Player I've Ever Coached'

Dallas Mavericks Rick Carlisle Luka Doncic — Sep 29, 2018; Dallas, Tx, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle talks with guard Luka Doncic (77) in the third quarter against the Beijing Ducks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

“He’s one of the greatest—he’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached—just in terms of his sheer ability,” Carlisle said before Friday’s game against the Lakers. “He’ll be an MVP.”

His words hold plenty of weight given that he’s coached Dirk Nowitzki, Reggie Miller, and Jason Kidd, among others.

Carlisle took it a step further by defending Doncic against growing criticism of his on-court dialogue with officials.

“He’s the most extra special [player] in terms of everything he can do on a basketball floor, and he has amazing charisma, too,” Carlisle said. “Show me a great player that isn’t stubborn and doesn’t get pissed off at things, and I’ll show you guys that’s not a great player. That’s just the way it is.”

Doncic certainly looked like an MVP in Friday’s 128-117 win over the Pacers, scoring a game-high 44 points behind seven made three-pointers along with nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.

It marked his league-best 10th 40-point performance this season, while putting him alongside Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in team history to record 10 40-point outings in a single season.

In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is leading the league with 32.5 points per game, along with ranking third with 8.5 assists and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was asked about Luka Doncic’s competitive spirit.

“You show me a great player who isn't stubborn and doesn't get pissed off at things, I'll show you somebody who isn't a great player."

Called Doncic “the greatest player” he’s ever coached. pic.twitter.com/X3AzI3GA7V
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) March 7, 2026

Since the All-Star Break, he’s been an even more lethal shooter from beyond the arc, hitting at a 44.1 percent clip and averaging 4.6 made 3-pointers in nine games. This includes hitting four or more 3-pointers six times.

At this point in his NBA career, Doncic has put together an impressive resume, including five All-NBA First Team nods, six All-Star Game selections, a scoring title, and a Rookie of the Year award.

This season, he’s likely headed toward another All-NBA First-Team nod and should receive some notable consideration for the MVP award.

The 27-year-old is on a career trajectory that would put him among the greatest players in league history. For the Lakers’ sake, that would include hoisting a few Larry O’Brien trophies along the way.