Luka Doncic confesses his love for Real Madrid

Luka Doncic has not forgotten his roots. In an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, the Slovenian superstar of the Lakers said that his ultimate destination will be to return to Real Madrid, the club that trained him and launched him into the basketball elite.

“Without a doubt. They raised me,” Doncic said when asked if he would like to retire wearing white.

The 26-year-old, who is about to start his eighth season in the NBA and his first full season as the Lakers' leader, was clear about his vision for the future, although he also warned that to return to Madrid, you have to be up to the task: “To play for Real Madrid, you have to be very good.”

His History at Madrid: From Promising Talent to MVP

Doncic's relationship with Real Madrid is more than professional, it's family. He arrived in the Spanish capital from Ljubljana at just 13 years old and quickly became one of the biggest stars in the youth academy.

• He made his ACB debut at 16 years and 2 months, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.
• His first shot was a three-pointer from the corner, the beginning of a story that won over Madrid fans.
• In 2018, he was named MVP of the EuroLeague and the Final Four, leading the club to the European title.
• In total, he played 216 official games, winning 1 EuroLeague, 3 ACB leagues, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 1 Super Cup.
  

He has said on several occasions that he is grateful to Pablo Laso and the club for helping him get where he is today.

Doncic Today: Lakers Leader and MVP Candidate

Now in Los Angeles, Doncic has the responsibility of leading the Lakers in a post-LeBron James era. After an early elimination in the last playoffs, he took advantage of the summer to improve his physique and get into the best shape of his career.

His impact on the league is undeniable: he was already a finalist with the Mavericks and is now seeking the coveted ring in California. Even so, the Slovenian makes no secret of his dream of wearing white again in the future, something that could happen in a decade, when his NBA career comes to a natural end.

A grand comeback

If Luka Doncic returns to Real Madrid, it would not only be an emotional blow for fans, but also an elite reinforcement for European basketball. His return could be reminiscent of cases such as Arvydas Sabonis with Zalgiris, when he returned in the final stretch of his career and was still able to dominate.

Madrid fans remain hopeful, and statements like this only fuel the dream of seeing the “child prodigy” back at the WiZink Center, this time as an established legend.