The fact that the younger generation of the NBA idolize the late great Kobe Bryant is hardly a surprise. However, without realizing it, Luka Doncic is replicating a part of Kobe’s career. Doncic is going on a similar career trajectory as his idol after becoming a father. The resemblance in their careers post-fatherhood is uncanny.

Kobe became a father on 19th January 2003 with the birth of his eldest daughter Natalia while the Dallas Mavericks star and his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes welcomed their first child Gabriela earlier this month. Since the birth of his baby girl, Father Doncic has gone ruthless in the league much like the Black Mamba did back in 2003.

Similarities between Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic’s careers

The Slovenian national grew up watching Kobe perform his magic with the LA Lakers on the court. The 5x NBA champion was a major reason behind Doncic’s dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Years later, the 24-year-old is sharing a freaky coincidence with his idol, probably without even realizing it. Before the birth of Natalia in 2003, Kobe was averaging 20.5 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists. However, the Black Mamba took it up a notch after 19th January 2003, taking his average to 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and five assists per game.

Although there is a difference in their numbers Kobe’s numbers represent over a decade of basketball while Doncic’s numbers are from a few weeks. However, the resemblance and the sudden uprise are nothing short of commendable. Since the birth of his daughter, Doncic’s numbers have skyrocketed to 35.2 points per game with nine rebounds and 12.4 assists. This has taken the Mavs star’s average to 31.1 points, eight rebounds, and 7.9 assists. Unknowingly, Doncic is following in his idol’s footsteps, and seeing the recent wrath of Father Doncic, the Mavs are going to be a problem for every other franchise.

The Slovenian has confessed his love for Kobe on several occasions and has received nothing but love and mutual respect from his idol.

Read More: Luka Doncic Gets Brutal Lesson from Shaquille O’Neal that Kobe Bryant learnt the hard way

Kobe Bryant’s piece of advice for Luka Doncic

Kobe was a baller at heart, even after retirement, no one could take his love for basketball away from him. The late legend was also hands-on when it came to appreciating young talents in the game. As a fan of Doncic’s game, Kobe once gave him a piece of advice that the Mavs star still remembers.

In a 2022 interview, Doncic recalled Kobe telling him, “Watch out, they’re gonna come after you because you’re from Europe. They’re gonna try to go after you”. After spending a few years in the league, the 24-year-old realized that the Mamba was right about it. Do you think Doncic can replicate other parts of Kobe’s legacy? Let us know in the comments

Watch This Story: Why Does Stephen Curry chew on his mouthguard?