Report: LeBron James Wearing No. 77 Shirt In Luka Doncic’s Lakers Debut Stood Out To Dirk Nowitzki

According to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron James wearing a No. 77 shirt in Luka Doncic‘s Los Angeles Lakers debut stood out to Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki. 

Nowitzki attended Doncic’s first game with the Lakers against the Utah Jazz.

LeBron wore a No. 77 shirt during his pregame workout. 

“The workout left an impression. Luka’s father, Saša Dončić, marveled at James’ continued dedication to his craft, sources said,” McMenamin wrote. “And Nowitzki, who attended the Lakers game against the Jazz that night to support his former Mavs teammate, noted James wearing the No. 77 shirt, sources said, recognizing the significance of an all-time great such as James showing deference to Dončić.”

Doncic is LeBron’s favorite player in the NBA. The leading scorer in NBA history, who has played with several Hall of Famers during his career, will serve as Doncic’s mentor on the Lakers. 

“Just want him to be himself — when he gets back to himself,” LeBron told ESPN. “Obviously, he’s been out since Christmas and I think he told me or said it to us, that’s the most he’s ever been out since he started playing basketball — because of an injury. Obviously, it’s not going to happen overnight, but I believe that in order for us to ultimately be the team that we want to be with him here, he has to have the ball, he has to be able to put us all in position, he has to be him. The seven years that we’ve seen in the NBA with Luka, we want that Luka.

“So we all have to transform our game for the betterment of him, obviously. But it’s not going to happen overnight. We know that. But my message has been, ‘Just be you. You don’t have to confine [your game] to us. We need to figure it out with you.’ Whatever he needs, I’m here. So, whatever he needs.”

Doncic is averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists with the Lakers. The five-time All-Star had his best game with Los Angeles against the Denver Nuggets. He finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals while shooting 10-of-22 from the field, 4-of-9 from 3 and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. 

The Lakers are 34-21 on the season. They are in fourth place in the West.

The sky is the limit for the purple and gold with Doncic and LeBron leading the way.