Jalen Brunson Gives Luka Doncic Top Billing in Lighthearted Interview Moment
Fresh off leading the Knicks to an NBA championship, Jalen Brunson named Luka Doncic as the most famous contact in his phone while sharing a series of playful stories about his former teammate.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Jalen Brunson has spent much of the past month celebrating one of the most significant achievements in New York Knicks history. After leading the franchise to its first NBA championship since 1973 and earning Finals MVP honors, the star guard has become one of the most recognizable figures in basketball.
Despite the attention surrounding his own accomplishments, Brunson recently found himself discussing another NBA star during a lighthearted interview. While speaking with young hosts from the “Kids Sports Reporters,” Brunson was asked a simple question that led to an entertaining exchange about Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.
The two guards share a history that stretches back several years. Brunson and Doncic played together with the Dallas Mavericks from 2018 through 2022, helping establish Dallas as a consistent playoff contender before Brunson departed in free agency to join the Knicks.
That shared experience has created a lasting friendship and mutual respect between the players. Brunson’s recent comments reflected that relationship, mixing humor and admiration while offering a glimpse into the bond that remains between two of the NBA’s biggest stars.
1. A Famous Name in Brunson’s Contacts
During the interview, Brunson was asked which famous person in his phone contacts stood out the most. The question prompted a brief pause as he considered his answer before ultimately naming Doncic. Given their years together in Dallas, the response was not particularly surprising. Both players entered the league as promising young talents and developed into All-Star-caliber performers while sharing the same backcourt. Brunson’s answer also highlighted just how far both careers have progressed. Since their days with the Mavericks, each player has become a franchise cornerstone and one of the most recognizable names in professional basketball. For Brunson, selecting Doncic was less about celebrity status and more about the unique relationship they built as teammates. Their shared experiences during formative years in the NBA helped establish a connection that has endured despite playing for different organizations.
2. Former Teammates Share a Joke
After naming Doncic, Brunson quickly shifted the conversation in a humorous direction. He jokingly claimed that he was not a fan of the Lakers star and sarcastically referred to him as one of the worst teammates he had ever played alongside. The comments were clearly made in jest, drawing laughter from those involved in the interview. Brunson’s tone reflected the type of playful banter often exchanged between close friends and former teammates. One of the interview’s most memorable moments came when a young host remarked that Doncic does not play defense. The comment caught Brunson off guard and sparked another round of laughter. Attempting to defend his former teammate, Brunson responded by saying that Doncic does play some defense and at least tries on that end of the floor. His reaction underscored the lighthearted nature of the discussion and demonstrated the respect he continues to have for Doncic’s overall game.
3. Different Paths, Similar Expectations
While Brunson and Doncic now play in different conferences, both enter the upcoming season facing enormous expectations. Brunson is coming off the greatest campaign of his career after leading the Knicks to a championship and establishing himself among the league’s elite guards. New York’s title run transformed the franchise’s outlook and elevated Brunson’s status throughout the basketball world. After years of rebuilding and postseason disappointments, the Knicks finally reached the top of the NBA with Brunson serving as the team’s unquestioned leader. Meanwhile, Doncic remains the centerpiece of the Lakers’ plans moving forward. As Los Angeles navigates another critical offseason, much of the organization’s strategy will revolve around maximizing its roster around one of the league’s most talented players. The Lakers finished the regular season with a strong 53-29 record and secured the third seed in the Western Conference. Although they advanced past the Houston Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs, their postseason ended abruptly when the Oklahoma City Thunder swept them in the second round. That result has intensified the focus on improving the roster and returning to championship contention next season.