'Puka Doncic!': Los Angeles Rams Rookie Nacua Earns Nickname From LeBron James
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has been nothing short of a rookie sensation this season, as he leads the NFL in receptions and is second in receiving yards.
Nacua's performance hasn't just captured the attention of the NFL world, but that of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James as well. The NBA legend posts his NFL predictions each week, and in his latest picks for Sunday's Week 5 slate, James gave a special shoutout to the Rams' newest star. James even gave Nacua a special nickname, inspired by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
"[Cooper] Kupp is coming back today, so now you got the dynamic duo, the two-headed monster with Cooper Kupp and Puka Doncic," James said in an Instagram video.
Nacua celebrates a touchdown with fellow receiver Tutu Atwell.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
"They call him Puka Doncic, man — got the most receptions for any receiver in NFL history during his first four games. And we also seeing that game with a touchdown he had last week, Matthew Stafford throwing that ball on a string."
Nacua clearly caught wind of James' praise, as he showed up to Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles rocking a Lakers jersey with the King's name on it.
Nacua has long been a fan of James, even before he joined the basketball legend in the City of Angels. As far back as 2020, before James won his fourth and latest championship, Nacua has been vocal about calling him the GOAT.
As great as the nickname is, James is not the first to use it. Last month, Rams cornerback Deion Kendrick revealed that he calls Nacua by the exact same nickname.
“We call him the leverage killer,” Kendrick said on the Rams Revealed podcast. “He comes in and like the first practice, eye discipline. This is really where it comes from, working on my eye discipline... His nickname, call him Puka Doncic, for me. He’s going to surprise the league this year, for sure.”
A few weeks later, Kendrick's prediction about Nacua surprising the league has undoubtedly come true.
James ultimately predicted the Eagles to beat the Rams, which picked correctly. However, "Puka Doncic" still had a strong game with seven receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.
