Paul George has seen plenty of Luka Doncic up close, and he believes the Lakers guard is on a trajectory that could one day eclipse the legends of international basketball.
“We’re talking about being the biggest international player now,” George said on a recent episode of Podcast P. “That’s surpassing GOATs, you know what I mean? That’s surpassing Dirk, that’s surpassing Tony Parker, that’s surpassing Hakeem. He’s got a chance to be the biggest international guy. Surpassing Giannis, in a way. He’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is just way older than what he is. He’s tough, man. He’s a problem. Big fan of Luka. And he talks that sh*t too. He’s a child killer.”
Has Luka cemented himself as the best international hooper? 👀
His #EuroBasket run had us thinking where he ranks all-time pic.twitter.com/tr3yGc09kX
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) September 11, 2025
Doncic is just 26 years old but already boasts a resume few players can match at his age.
Since entering the league in 2018, he has earned five All-Star nods, five All-NBA selections, the 2024 scoring title, and the 2019 Rookie of the Year award. Over seven seasons, he has averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists on 46.8 percent shooting.
Still, his accomplishments lag behind the international icons George mentioned. Hakeem Olajuwon’s case rests on two championships, an MVP, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Dirk Nowitzki collected an MVP, an NBA title, and 14 All-Star appearances. Steve Nash won back-to-back MVPs, while today’s stars Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo already combine for five MVPs and multiple championships.
Doncic has yet to capture an MVP or an NBA title, but that could change soon. This season marks his first full campaign with the Lakers, where he joins LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton in pursuit of a championship run and maybe even LeBron’s last season in the league.
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