Luka Dončić to Host 750 Kids at Mavs Game for Foundation Launch: 'Helping the Kids Is a Big Thing for Me'
Luka Dončić launches foundation on World Basketball Day, bringing 750 kids to a Mavs game: “I want to help kids get the joy I had.”
DALLAS — Luka Dončić’s passion for basketball extends beyond the court as the Dallas Mavericks superstar officially launches the Luka Dončić Foundation today, World Basketball Day, with an event aimed at celebrating youth and ensuring the game remains fun and accessible for the next generation.
"I’m just trying to help kids get the joy that I had back when I was a kid in Slovenia,” Dončić said about the foundation’s launch. “I want the foundation to represent helping the kids out, having fun on the court, enjoying the game, and getting way more opportunity for kids to play basketball."
As part of the launch, Dončić is welcoming 750 local children to the Mavericks’ game against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center, offering them a chance to experience the joy of basketball firsthand. The children in attendance today represent local youth organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, and the Dallas Independent School District.
“I think it’s great that Luka, being a young player, understands how important the game is,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “To have that many kids at the game shows his commitment to making basketball available for everyone.”
Dončić, averaging 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season, remains sidelined with a left heel contusion, so the kids cannot watch him play in this game. However, Kyrie Irving, who missed Thursday’s loss against the Clippers due to right shoulder soreness, is set to return. Dallas enters the matchup with a 17-10 record and the fourth spot in the Western Conference, positioned 1.5 games ahead of the fifth-ranked Clippers.
The Foundation, announced earlier this week, will promote joy, creativity, and inclusivity in youth sports.
A Personal Mission
Dončić has long been vocal about the role basketball played in his life, often referencing his upbringing in Slovenia and early exposure to the game. He spent much of his youth playing for Real Madrid before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2018, which led to his arrival with the Mavericks.
“When I was a young kid, my father played basketball, so I was always around basketball, and I just fell in love with the sport,” Dončić said. “I wanted to chase my dream and play basketball at the highest level.”
Through the Foundation, Dončić hopes to provide similar opportunities for children worldwide and foster environments where basketball is about more than just competition.
“Helping the kids, it’s a big thing for me,” Dončić said. “I would just say it’s not really a responsibility – I think it’s a privilege and honor,” he said.
A Joyful Approach to the Game
Kidd noted that Dončić’s passion for basketball shines through whenever he steps on the court, and it’s a quality that resonates deeply with young fans. It’s common to see Dončić having fun on the court during games, especially in his pre-game routine, trying trick shots, and having half-court shooting competitions with assistant coaches.
“When you see the big smile, the passing, the threes – the trick shots – Luka doesn’t think they’re trick shots. For him, those are just regular shots,” Kidd said. “It’s his creativity and love for the game that stands out.”
Dončić echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fun in the development of young athletes. That mindset can prove beneficial in life, not just in the context of basketball.
“No matter what you do, you gotta have fun with it,” Dončić said. “I think it’s very important for a kid to find themselves, find what they love.”
Looking Ahead
The Foundation will also release the “Inside Youth Basketball” report today, providing insight into youth basketball in the U.S. and Europe. The initiative is supported by basketball legends like Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steve Nash, who serve on the Foundation’s Youth Sports Leadership Council.
“I want the foundation to represent helping the kids out, having fun on the court, enjoying the game, and creating more opportunities for kids to play basketball,” Dončić said. “I love basketball more than ever – I want to leave it in good hands.”
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