Rick Carlisle compares Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 4:39 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Rick Carlisle, former Mavericks coach, praised Luka Doncic after a game on August 2, 2026. He likened Doncic's playmaking and skill to basketball legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Carlisle noted Doncic's unique talents and competitive nature, highlighting his contributions since joining the Lakers in a trade from the Mavericks. As Doncic continues to develop with the Lakers, expectations for his performance are high, especially following the departure of LeBron James.
- •Doncic traded from Mavericks to Lakers in February 2025.
- •Carlisle coached Doncic for three seasons with the Mavericks.
- •Carlisle calls Doncic a 'killer competitor' and unique player.
- •Doncic's skill level draws comparisons to NBA greats.
- •Expectations are high for Doncic's contributions to Lakers.
- 4:39 AMYahoo Sports — Rick Carlisle compares Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
- 3:38 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers’ Luka Doncic reminds ex-Mavs coach of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
- 3:19 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Mavericks coach has ‘Showtime’ comp for Lakers’ Luka Doncic
"Rick Carlisle compared Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, praising the Lakers star as the most unique player he has coached.
"Former Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, who coached Luka Doncic early in his career, compared him to two of the NBA's greatest players.
"Pacers coach Rick Carlisle compared Lakers franchise player Luka Doncic to two of the NBA's absolute legends.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 4:39 AMRick Carlisle compares Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle compared Lakers franchise player Luka Doncic to two of the NBA's absolute legends.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 3:38 PMLakers’ Luka Doncic reminds ex-Mavs coach of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
Rick Carlisle compared Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, praising the Lakers star as the most unique player he has coached.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 3:19 AMEx-Mavericks coach has ‘Showtime’ comp for Lakers’ Luka Doncic
Former Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, who coached Luka Doncic early in his career, compared him to two of the NBA's greatest players.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
BasketballNBA•Oct 18, 2026, 10:45 AMJalen Williams' health, Chet Holmgren's resilience among top storylines for OKC Thunder
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 9:30 AMIra Winderman: Heat with high ceiling, low floor or just stuck in the middle again?
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 9:30 AM‘What a piece of…’ – Ben Simmons sounds off on former coach Doc Rivers’ throwing him under the bus
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 9:22 AMBucks waive Pete Nance, Johni Broome after OT preseason loss to Pacers
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 6:27 AMThe Lakers have cut two players from their roster
NBA•Oct 18, 2026, 5:30 AMKevin Durant fires back at Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia over trade comments