Luka Doncic did not hide his excitement when asked about Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, offering a genuine reaction that reflected more than simple fandom.
Speaking after a dominant win, the Lakers star made it clear that this is one performance he will not miss, especially given the personal bond that links his basketball career with the global music icon.
The conversation followed a convincing 142-111 win by the Los Angeles Lakers over the Washington Wizards, a game in which Doncic looked fully back to his best. Just days after an awkward landing sparked brief concern against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he responded with 37 points, moving freely and playing with his usual confidence.
With the result secured and his mood clearly lifted, Doncic was asked a question in Spanish about Bad Bunny‘s upcoming Super Bowl appearance and the significance of a Latino artist taking centre stage.
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“I think it’s really good. I’m really looking forward to seeing him mainly because it’s him. I listen to him a lot so I can’t wait to see him,” he said.
When a step-back jumper became a lyric
The relationship between Luka Doncic and Bad Bunny has long crossed the usual boundaries between sport and music.
It first entered the public consciousness during Doncic‘s years as the face of the Dallas Mavericks, when Bad Bunny referenced him in the 2020 track “25/8,” using Doncic as a symbol of consistency and elite performance.
That nod resonated with fans, but it was “La Jumpa” that truly fused their worlds. The song, which went viral on TikTok, turned Doncic‘s step-back three into a cultural shorthand, a basketball move recognised well beyond NBA circles.
In that moment, a skill honed on the court became part of a global soundtrack.
There was a touch of irony earlier this week when that same step-back nearly led to trouble. Doncic landed awkwardly on the elevated court in Cleveland, briefly raising fears of an ankle injury that could have sidelined him.
He shook it off, returned against Washington and delivered another commanding performance, reinforcing just how central that move remains to both his game and his image.
