The balance really is shifting. International players have garnered most of the NBA accolades over the last five years. The likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have reigned supreme in this time. However, in terms of promise, there’s hardly been a player as imposing as Luka Doncic. Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George feels he’s here to claim everything in his path.

Remember, he’s seen his mean side during the Clippers’ rivalry with the Mavericks. The Lakers guard, though, has redefined his standards following a physical transformation. In the loss to Germany, he had 39 and is still leading the scoring charts at EuroBasket 2025. Watching the new version of the 26-year-old, George bestowed huge praise.

“We’re talking about being the biggest international player now. That’s surpassing GOATs. He’s got a chance to be the biggest international guy, surpassing Giannis in a way. He’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is just way older than what he is. He’s tough, man. He’s a problem,” he said on Podcast P.

For five consecutive seasons, Luka Doncic prevailed as an All-NBA First Team member. He’s got an NBA Finals under his belt and some of the most breathtaking performances in NBA history. No matter the occasion, with a basketball in his hand, there’s always hope as long as Doncic is around. Only a few players have ever had that sort of pull.

And all of this was done before Doncic decided to change his mannerisms. Now, he is looking after his health. It comes with additional expectations as we saw with Slovenia. But it also positions him to manage such a tremendous workload while reducing the risk of injury. The truth is, Luka Doncic is still staring at his entire prime ahead. It’s almost certain that his resume will continue to embellish itself.

However, not many agree with George’s views. Some NBA fans feel it’s too early to give the Lakers’ superstar that crown.

NBA fans can’t see Luka Doncic as the GOAT

At one point, Dirk Nowitzki stood unopposed as the greatest international talent. What began, though, is the fever of basketball spreading. Doncic was literally his successor, so it seems fitting of sorts. However, NBA fans were quick to point out how there are some modern-day players who fit the description far better.

“Did Joker die or something?” one fan wrote. Usually, fans want to see the Jokic-Doncic duo play together at some point in their careers. However, they are current rivals, with Jokic having something he doesn’t. He guided the Nuggets to an NBA championship and won Finals MVP.

And he isn’t the only one. Another fan mentions, “Wtf, helllll no, seriously? What the fuck? Dirk? Giannis? wtf has Luka done?”. Each of these names has a championship and a Finals MVP besides their names. Then there are some with far more.

“He’s behind Giannis and Dirk and WAY behind Olajuwon,” one fan commented. Hakeem Olajuwon did represent the USA, which does contradict the argument. However, he did come in as an international star and has literally won everything. He’s widely considered the greatest two-way player of all time.

The fans even asked George to elaborate. “What’s his argument over Dirk Jokic and Giannis,”. They don’t just have the championship, but also individual accolades that Doncic has yet to earn. Notably, the 26-year-old has been a running top contender to win MVP, but he’s yet to pass that bridge.

That’s where the Lakers come in. Luka Doncic is in an organization that believes he can restore its glory. “All he needs to do is add championships on his resume,” a fan wrote. While it’s not everything, it’s a non-negotiable when it comes to arguing about the best international players in the league’s vast history.

Where there can’t be any doubts, though, is his talent. Doncic has been playing with the pros since he was a teenager. The shift to the NBA put his ceiling at the forefront. And now, after glorious performances for Slovenia, the Lakers with him and LeBron James will give themselves a chance at winning it all.

If they do, Doncic could even end up with an MVP in his hands. Once that happens, Paul George’s claim won’t just be an unpopular opinion.