Up until Monday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets, the most commonly used nickname for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic had been Luka Magic.
But after the 26-year-old point guard went viral on Monday for an ankle-breaking move against Rockets 2024 first-round pick Alperen Sengun, his teammates and fans may start referring to him by a different moniker.
With 1:15 left in the second quarter and the Lakers down 46-44, Doncic made a push toward the 3-point line but backed off just half step, causing Sengun to lose his balance as his ankles gave out while falling to the floor – a moment the reported 18,997 fans in attendance at Crypto.com Arena enjoyed immensely.
Video of Doncic’s wild move garnering hundreds of thousands of views between multiple X accounts including the NBA, NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report, and fans took to the comment section to give Doncic a much-deserved new nickname.
LUKA ANKLE BREAKER, DFS TRIPLE Dončić making it happen for LA! pic.twitter.com/9gRq46ahqG — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 1, 2025 “Luka ‘Ankle Breaker’ Doncic,” one fan wrote.
“LUKA ANKLE BREAKER,” another fan chimed in. “LUKA ANKLE BREAKER TO DFS [for] 3!!!!” a third fan proclaimed. “LUKA DONCIC ANKLE BREAKER,” one user remarked. “LUKA ANKLE BREAKER AND DIME,” another user quipped.
Since his Lakers debut on February 10 after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis, Doncic has been arguably L.A.’s best player.
He’s averaging 27.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while playing 35 minutes per night.
He’s scored 30 or more points 11 times in that 21-game span.
At time of publication, Doncic had 17 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and two steals, and the Lakers led 93-91 with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
