When Luka Doncic returned to Dallas last week for the first time since getting traded, he had tears in his eyes as his former franchise gave him a hero’s welcome. It was clear how much Nico Harrison’s shocking decision hurt him. But he claimed that it was time to move on. And as part of the resolution, the Slovenian star’s already got a new task at hand—getting past the Timberwolves in the first round. Turns out, the Lakers locker room is seeking his guidance to overcome the massive challenge (I mean, as they should, but hey, emergency consultant until LeBron hangs the boot, huh?).

Well, Doncic knows very well how to beat Anthony Edwards and Co. in the playoffs because he did it last year with the Mavs in the West finals. With him averaging 32.4 points and over eight assists in that series, Luka sent the Wolves packing in just five games and bagged the MVP honors. So, JJ Redick is planning on tapping into his experience to hopefully gain an edge in the opening series. When asked about the benefit of having Luka on his side to discuss the Wolves matchup, JJ said, “There are nuances to what teams are trying to do against certain opponents.”

Of course, that hints at a massive shift in the LA team’s locker room because Luka will likely be their main guy in this series and maybe the entire playoffs, taking that role from LeBron James. Even in the regular season, LBJ was seen deferring to Luka as his twenty-year streak of averaging 25+ points came to an end, while Doncic’s numbers shot up to 28.2 points per game.

JJ Redick and Co. could use all the help they can get against the Wolves because Anthony Edwards’ squad has been in great form recently. They finished the season strong with nine wins in their last eight games, and JJ knows it’s going to be a tough first-round series.

“We have a lot of work. They’re a really good basketball team… They’ve played as well as anyone lately, and I believe they’re one of four teams in the top 10 in offense and defense. So, they present a lot of problems,” he noted. So, Luka’s experience could prove key in beating them. As JJ begins deferring to the former Mavs star, looks like the hoop community is also following suit.

Luka Doncic celebrates historic achievement as he breaks LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s streak

While the trade put a dagger in Luka’s heart, it also earned him an entirely new fanbase. With Laker Nation’s support and the love from his already existing fans in Slovenia, Dallas, and all around the world, Doncic ranked number one in this year’s top-selling NBA jerseys. It’s a historic feat because he is the first international player to do so.

Moreover, he broke LeBron and Steph’s run of dominating this list for the last twelve years. Since Carmelo Anthony in 2012-13, no player has sold more jerseys than LBJ and Curry—until this year. Truly feels like the beginning of a new era. As expected, the overall merchandise sale market has also seen a major boost since Luka’s arrival in LA.

Since February’s deadline, jersey sales on NBA store’s website are up 21% compared to last year. The revenue in the basketball merchandise market for this year is projected to reach $1.29 billion, per Statista. And it is expected to rise to $1.37 billion in the next four years.

Obviously, the USA contributes to most of that business with $1.14 billion this year. And a significant chunk of it is because of Luka. Even the Lakers superstar seems proud of this accomplishment, as he shared it on his IG story. While he has won the numbers game and overtaken LeBron in the process, it’s time for Doncic to focus on the Wolves series, which starts this Saturday.

Do you think he can repeat what he did last year and send Ant-Man and Co. home once again?