“Definitely Not 41”: Luka Dončić’s Playful Jab at LeBron James Goes Viral
Luka Dončić has never been one for empty calories. The Dallas Mavericks superstar speaks in blunt, honest sentences whether he’s discussing trade deadlines, teammate injuries, or apparently, his own retirement timeline.
When asked recently what age he wants to retire from the NBA, Dončić’s response was characteristically direct:
“Definitely not 41.”
The quote, captured by @ohnohedidnt24 and now circulating across social media, landed like a perfectly executed step-back three precise, devastating, and impossible not to appreciate.
The LeBron Connection
At 41 years old, LeBron James is currently averaging 24.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.1 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers in his 23rd NBA season. He remains an All-Star caliber player, defying every known law of athletic aging.
Dončić, 27, is in his eighth season. He’s already a five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and has led the league in scoring twice.
“Definitely not 41” isn’t just a number. It’s a philosophy. It’s Dončić acknowledging that LeBron’s longevity is the exception, not the rule and that he has absolutely no interest in chasing it.
The Context
The question came during a lighthearted media availability, likely prompted by Chris Paul’s sudden retirement announcement just days earlier at age 40. Paul walked away after 21 seasons.
Dončić has always been honest about the toll the game takes. He’s listed at 230 pounds but plays heavier, absorbing contact, initiating offense, and carrying massive minutes loads.
“I want to play as long as I can,” he’s said in the past. “But I also want to be able to walk when I’m 50.”
The Reaction
Social media, predictably, had a field day.“Luka knows what’s up,” one fan wrote. “21 seasons is insane. Let LeBron have that.”
“He wants to go home and ride horses in Slovenia,” another noted, referencing Dončić’s well-documented love for his homeland and his horse, Presloven.
“LeBron is an alien. Luka is just a really, really good basketball player who likes wine and sleep. Respect the honesty.”
Even Mavericks fans joined in: “If he gets us three rings by 35, he can retire at 36. We’ll build the statue.”
The Bigger Picture
Dončić’s comment is playful, but it touches on something real. LeBron’s longevity has distorted expectations. Players are now asked, implicitly, why they can’t play until 40.
Dončić loves the game. He loves competing. But he also loves life away from basketball family, horses, wine, and the quiet of Slovenia. If he plays 15 seasons instead of 21, if he retires at 38 instead of 41.
“Definitely not 41” isn’t a criticism of LeBron. It’s a declaration of self-awareness. Luka knows who he is, what he wants, and how long he’s willing to chase it.
And if that means walking away before the wheels fall off, so be it.