It was one of those moments I’d been dreaming of since I was a kid—the day I finally got to open my new house in Los Angeles. It wasn’t just any house. It was a reflection of all the hard work, the sacrifices, and the countless hours spent on the court. So, of course, I wanted it to be special. I invited a small group of VIPs—close friends, teammates, and some of the most influential people in my life. I wanted to celebrate the new chapter with those who had been there along the way. But, there was one person I really, really wanted to see there, and that was LeBron James.
LeBron and I, we share a lot of respect for each other. I’ve always looked up to him, not just as a basketball player but as a mentor. He’s been one of the most supportive figures in my career from the start. It’s not just the praise or the admiration—it’s the way he’s always taken the time to reach out, give advice, and be someone I can look to as a role model. So when I was planning the event, I knew it would mean a lot to me if he could make it. I wanted him there, to be part of this special moment in my life.
The day of the event came, and it was an incredible atmosphere. A lot of familiar faces, people I trust and care about, were there. The excitement was building, and it felt like everything was falling into place. But as I looked around the room, something caught my eye. My mum, who had been so excited for this day, was standing there scanning the room. I could tell she was searching for something—or someone. And then, she turned to me with a questioning look on her face.
“Luka, where is LeBron?” she asked, almost with a hint of concern in her voice. “I thought he’d be here today. You always talk about him, about how much he means to you. I thought this was the kind of moment he’d want to be part of.”
Her words stung a little. Not because I didn’t understand where she was coming from—she was my mum, after all, and she only wanted the best for me—but because I knew she was right. It would’ve meant a lot to have LeBron there. It wasn’t just about the event itself; it was about the recognition and the support from someone who had been such a big part of my journey. I knew she was probably feeling like this was a moment that deserved to be shared with the people who had helped me get to this point.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm her down. I could see the disappointment in her eyes, and I wanted to reassure her. “Mum, don’t worry,” I said. “LeBron really wanted to come. His schedule just didn’t work out this time. He’s got a lot on his plate, you know how it is. But it’s all good. He’s still got my back.”
I could see she was still a little uncertain. She wanted to see LeBron there, to know that someone like him, someone I admire so much, was there to celebrate with me. And I get it—she’s my mum. She wants the best for me. She wants to see me surrounded by the people who believe in me and see what I’ve achieved.
I couldn’t deny that I was a little disappointed too. It would’ve been amazing to have him there, to have that moment where I could show him my new place, a symbol of my hard work. But I also knew that LeBron’s absence didn’t mean anything about how he felt about me. It wasn’t about a missed event—it was about the relationship we’ve built over time. I knew the respect between us was still there, whether or not he could make it to one party.
Still, I could tell my mum needed reassurance. I could see her processing it all, but she would understand. She always did. I wasn’t just a kid chasing a dream anymore. I was living it, and I had earned the respect of people like LeBron, even if he wasn’t standing right next to me that day. In the end, my mum smiled, knowing that this wasn’t just about one person not showing up—it was about the bigger picture, the bigger journey.
And even though LeBron wasn’t physically there, I knew deep down he was proud of me. I could feel that respect, that admiration, even from afar. This moment, like so many others in my career, wasn’t defined by any one person—it was about all of us who’ve been a part of this journey, from family to teammates to mentors, and to the fans who’ve supported me along the way.