Giannis Antetokounmpo Jokes About Luka Dončić to Lakers, Nikola Jokić to Knicks: ‘I Want All the Europeans in Big Markets’
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has once again shown his lighthearted side, making a playful remark about wanting Europe’s biggest NBA stars to move to major-market teams.
In a recent interview, Giannis joked about wanting Luka Dončić to join the Los Angeles Lakers and Nikola Jokić to head to the New York Knicks, saying:
“I want Luka to the Lakers, I want Nikola Jokić to the Knicks, I want all the Europeans to go to all the big markets.”
The two-time MVP’s comments, though said in jest, have sparked discussions among NBA fans about what such blockbuster moves would look like. Dončić, currently leading the Dallas Mavericks, has been one of the most dominant young stars in the league, while Jokić, the reigning NBA champion and three-time MVP, is the backbone of the Denver Nuggets.
The Impact of European Superstars in the NBA
Giannis, Luka, and Jokić represent a new era of European dominance in the NBA, with all three having won MVP awards in recent years. Their success has proven that international players can not only compete at the highest level but also lead teams to championships.
While Giannis’ comment was likely just for fun, it does highlight the growing influence of European stars in the league. Major-market teams like the Lakers and Knicks have historically been attractive destinations for superstars, but players like Dončić and Jokić have built strong legacies with their respective teams, making any move highly unlikely—at least for now.
What do you think? Would you like to see Luka Dončić in the purple and gold or Nikola Jokić at Madison Square Garden? Let us know in the comments!
