With the new generation of the NBA coming in, a takeover is inevitable. And some of the young stars have made a serious mark this season. Notably, Ja Morant and Luka Doncic have been really impressive this season, putting their respective teams on the backs. In light of this, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal believes they will be the next faces of the NBA.

Ja Morant took a major step up this season. After putting up 19.1 points last season, he has jumped his way up all the way to 27.8 points a night. He has led the Grizzlies to a record of 43-21. The youngster has come up as an MVP candidate with his dazzling displays this season. As for Luka, his magic has only gotten better with each season. This year, despite Dallas not being the most talked-about team, the 23-year-old has led them to the 5th seed in the Western Conference.

Looking at their clear potential. Shaq believes both of these know about their greatness. With there being a chance of Ja and Luka competing in the playoffs this season, who do you think will come out on top?

Shaquille O’Neal predicts the new faces of the NBA

While speaking to the Inside the NBA crew, Shaq pointed out how Morant wants all the smoke. A stat showed Ja Morant having the fifth-best scoring season at the age of 22 behind Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Shaquille O’Neal himself. Seeing this, the Big Diesel believes in five years, the league will belong to Ja and Doncic.

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He said: “Ja Morant is a guy that wants it all/ He wants all the smoke, he wants all the praise. He wants all the pressure and he wants this to be his league. I saw somebody say the other day, five years, it’s going to be Ja Morant and Luka Doncic’s league. I believe that statement. But he is playing at a high level, he knows he is great. He has got the city behind him. He got his teammates behind him. There’s nothing better than having a young superstar that knows he is great.”

Both Ja and Luka Doncic have surely raised the bar up high for young stars in the league. Moreover, they have constantly come for their teams on many occasions and know their own value. Morant is one of the most exciting players to watch in this league. His combination of freakish athleticism and true skill makes him a threat to any team. He has elevated a small market team like Memphis to great heights and will look to continue his momentum going into his first playoffs.

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But, while Morant will be a new face in the toughest part of the season, Luka has set a whole new level in the playoffs. Over his two playoff runs, Luka is averaging 33.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in 13 games. He is the sole star and is turning out to be a pioneer for international players all around the world.