NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, who spent his final season with the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic, believes the LA Lakers’ playoff fate could have been different if the star guard had been healthy.
According to Clutch Points on Wednesday, Nowitzki weighed in on the Lakers’ second-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025-26 NBA Western Conference playoffs. The Lakers fell 110-115 in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, getting swept out of the postseason.
Doncic, now with the Lakers, missed the entire playoffs due to a hamstring strain suffered last month. Without their primary option, LeBron James and Austin Reaves fought hard but couldn’t overcome the defending champion Thunder.
“Dallas knows he’s capable,” Nowitzki said, as quoted by the outlet. “Looking at how he was playing, I think LA would have had a chance. I’m not sure about Oklahoma City, but in March, when they were at their peak, they felt like they could compete with anyone.”
The Lakers went 15-2 in March, with Doncic averaging 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists during that stretch. He dropped 51 points against the Chicago Bulls and 60 against the Miami Heat, showcasing peak form.
Clutch Points noted that even a fully healthy Lakers squad might have struggled against the Thunder, but added, “Doncic’s presence would have forced Oklahoma City to adjust its game plan. Theoretically, having a two-time scoring champion on the court would have made them far more dangerous.”
Nowitzki also offered advice to his former teammate: “He must be frustrated by how things turned out, but now he needs to look ahead and get back to his best condition.”
Doncic was traded to the Lakers last season in a deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
