Latest News: Luka Doncic Heaps Praise on Pablo Laso – "I Still Watch His Old Real Madrid Tapes"

By Trendy News

November 26, 2025

Luka Doncic and his former coach Pablo Laso – a bond that still shapes the NBA today
Credit: EuroLeague Basketball / Getty Images

Latest News: Luka Credits Laso’s System for His NBA Success

Real Madrid's legendary coach Pablo Laso shared a heartfelt moment of mutual respect with Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic after the Slovenian openly credited his former mentor for still influencing his game in the NBA.

Following the Mavericks' dominant 122-98 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic didn’t hold back when asked about the roots of his offensive genius.

"I've taken so much from Coach Laso – his pick-and-roll concepts, the way he reads defenses. I still watch old Real Madrid tapes in the offseason. Yeah, I've definitely 'borrowed' a few of his tricks for our offense here in Dallas."

– Luka Doncic

Latest News: Pablo Laso Responds with Class and Humility

Speaking after Real Madrid's convincing 85-72 EuroLeague win over Olympiacos in Round 10, Laso responded with his trademark class and humility when told about Luka's praise.

"We live in an era of total connectivity," Laso said with a smile. "Basketball has no borders anymore. You learn from a coach in Serbia, Greece, Spain, or straight from the NBA. What Luka said means everything about the kind of person and player he is."

"He was always a sponge, even at 16. To hear that he still studies our old systems… that tells you the kind of leader he’s become. I’ve learned just as much from the NBA – this summer I spent time with Gregg Popovich’s staff in San Antonio. We all copy the best ideas. That’s how the game evolves."

Pablo Laso addressing the media after Real Madrid's win over Olympiacos
Credit: EuroLeague Images / Visionhaus

Latest News: A Touching Reminder of Basketball’s Global Village

Laso, who led Real Madrid to multiple EuroLeague titles and turned a teenage Doncic into a continental sensation, added:

"I’m no guru for NBA superstars. I just try to give everything to my team every single day. Luka’s words warm my heart, but they’re a little exaggerated – in the best way possible. Nobody is a complete blueprint, especially not for someone who’s revolutionizing the league like he is."

In an era where the NBA and EuroLeague are more connected than ever, moments like these remind us why basketball’s global village continues to thrive on collaboration, respect, and lifelong learning.

Images: EuroLeague Basketball, Getty Images, Visionhaus | Article by Trendy News