Zero hour had arrived for the beginning of the Luka Dončić era with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the NBA world came to a standstill—so much so that even the legendary Michael Jordan decided to issue a warning-like message to the rivals of the California team ahead of the ‘Wonder Boy’s’ debut.

He had barely scored his first points in the NBA when Dončić was already drawing the attention of LeBron James. The King’s desire was crystal clear: “To start ‘Team LeBron’ and have Luka (Dončić) as my first signing with Nike. I don’t think my guys at Nike were ready for that. Obviously, they weren’t—because he ended up going to Jordan. I don’t know if Luka even knows that.”

Michael Jordan won this battle—both on the court and in the world of marketing—over LeBron, sealing a deal for Luka Dončić to sign with the ‘Air Jordan’ brand on December 26, 2019, for $100 million. The impact of the new Los Angeles Lakers star was so powerful that, in 2023, he renewed his contract with MJ’s brand through 2029.

One of the current NBA representatives of the Chicago Bulls legend began showing off the iconic ‘Air Jordan’ sneakers from the very press conference where he was introduced as the Lakers’ star signing. So it was only natural for MJ to make his presence felt in some way ahead of Dončić’s debut with the Los Angeles team.

Michael Jordan sent a warning to the entire NBA about Dončić’s debut with the Lakers

Luka Dončić in his debut with the Lakers. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ahead of Dončić’s debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, Michael Jordan began to feel the excitement of what this new era in the NBA could bring. Through his official Instagram account, he issued a warning to all of LeBron James’ rivals and company with the following message: “Good luck to everyone. It’s just business—until it’s not.”

Jordan’s message about Dončić. (Photo: @jumpman23)

The $500,000 Decision Luka Dončić Made as a Los Angeles Lakers Player

Before making his debut—with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists—in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 132–113 victory over the Utah Jazz on February 10, Luka Dončić made a powerful choice. Through his foundation, he donated $500,000 to support immediate recovery efforts for the wildfires that struck Los Angeles.

“We are committed to helping children from the affected communities get back to playing and being kids again,” stated the foundation of the Slovenian point guard.