SAD NEWS: Lakers Teammates and Fans Shed Tears as Luka Dončić Mourns Heartbreaking Announcement....
Los Angeles, CA — The NBA community was shaken today after Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks’ All-Star guard, publicly shared heartbreaking personal news that triggered an outpouring of emotion from fans and players across the league — including members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
In an emotional statement posted to his Instagram account early this morning, Dončić announced the passing of his grandfather, a figure he has often credited as one of the foundational influences in his life and basketball career.
“He taught me how to dribble, how to compete, and how to be a man,” Dončić wrote. “My love for this game began with him.”
The post, accompanied by a photo of a young Luka playing basketball in his backyard in Slovenia, quickly went viral.
Unexpected Response from Lakers Locker Room
While rivalries often dominate headlines, the response from the Lakers organization was swift and deeply personal. According to team sources, several players — including LeBron James and Anthony Davis — reached out privately to express condolences to Dončić.
“We compete hard on the floor, but outside of that, we’re human first,” James said after a team shootaround. “What Luka’s going through right now is something no athlete is ever fully prepared for.”
Multiple Lakers players reportedly paused their morning workout session for a moment of silence after learning of the news.
League-Wide Support Grows
Across social media, messages of support poured in from teammates, opponents, and fans alike. The Mavericks issued a brief statement confirming Dončić will miss tonight’s game to return home to Slovenia and be with his family.
“Luka is grieving a tremendous personal loss,” head coach Jason Kidd said in a press conference. “Our full support is with him and his family. He will take the time he needs.”
Fellow Slovenian and Chicago Bulls player Goran Dragić posted his own tribute, writing: “The basketball world mourns with you, my brother.”
An Emotional Day for Fans
Fans from across the NBA spectrum, including many Lakers supporters, took to forums and comment sections to share their empathy for Dončić. Some shared their own stories of losing loved ones, while others thanked Luka for opening up and showing vulnerability in a public space.
One popular fan post read: “No matter what jersey you wear, grief is universal. We stand with Luka today.”
Looking Ahead
While no timetable has been announced for Dončić’s return to the court, Mavericks management confirmed he will be given “as much time as needed” before resuming team activities. In the meantime, the NBA community continues to rally around one of its brightest stars during one of the darkest moments of his personal life.
This moment, perhaps more than any recent game or stat line, underscores the humanity behind the athlete — and the profound way the game can connect people, even in sorrow.