Luka Doncić discussed his friendship with Kyrie Irving and his significance to the Mavericks squad with Rachel Nichols.

During a recent episode of “Headliners with Rachel Nichols” on Showtime, Luka Doncic and Rachel discussed a range of subjects pertaining to his time as a Dallas Maverick, including his friendship with backcourt partner Kyrie Irving.

Upon being asked why Irving makes a good partner, Doncić responded, “To start with, he’s a phenomenal player.” He’s won a championship, you know. He is aware of how to prevail. He’s a really kind man. You know, he’s with all the new guys that are joining. Of course, we have a few veterans, but we also have a few young men. Thus, I believe Kai and I will actually be able to assist them.

When Nichols questioned Irving and him about topics other than basketball, Doncić replied that although they often find themselves talking about basketball, they often discuss life in general. With a humorous jab at Donić regarding the Worle Cup, Irving brings up his World Cup MVP alongside Maverick Dirk Nowitzki. Donic claims he enjoys making fun of Irving as well, but he claims he can’t recall what he said to him. Luka, though, thinks that this illustrates how amazing their relationship is right now.

I can see if he wants to join in on the constant teasing that I enjoy doing. However, you know, this is a good moment in our relationship. That was excellent.

The connection between Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic is what makes the Mavericks competitive in the highly competitive Western Conference. Both Irving and Doncić have had an incredible start to the season, despite their rough beginning after Irving was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Stars. They missed the playoffs in the spring.

Irving was averaging 23 points per game and 5.2 assists before he was injured. He had recently fallen on his leg trying to recover a rebound in the Mavericks’ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 8th. Irving had shot 47% from the field, 38% from three, and 90% from the free throw line.

Doncic, meantime, has excelled statistically. In addition to averaging 32.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, he is shooting 48% from the field and 38% from three. Due to his play, he is a strong candidate for MVP, and they will compete for the top six seeds in the Western Conference once Irving returns from his injury.