Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki looked back on his battles with Los Angeles Lakers greats Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, calling the two his favorite players to watch and compete against.

“It’s amazing the basketball culture this club has had for such a long time,” Nowitzki said of the Lakers, per Mark Medina of USA Today. “Kobe and LeBron were always two of my favorites to watch and compete against. They know how to prepare with how they’re ready, how they compete every game and their skill level. Definitely two of the best to ever do it.”

Nowitzki's comments came in after the Lakers' presented a tribute video for him during the first quarter timeout of their eventual loss to the Mavs on Sunday. The German shared that he had no inkling that the Purple and Gold franchise was going to do that, but he was thankful nonetheless.

Moreover, it brought Nowitzki back to his classic battles with the Lakers.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Adam Silver sets record straight on Mavericks landing No. 1 pickBenedetto Vitale ·
The Dallas Mavericks team bench reacts to a Denver Nuggets score during the second half at the American Airlines Center.
Mavericks will look to fight off Euro power for key free agentRichard Pereira ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Suns-Mavericks trade swapping Cooper Flagg pick, Devin BookerPreston Byers ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) and Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) battle for the ball in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Spurs-Mavericks trade to pair Cooper Flagg, WembyPreston Byers ·

To recall, back in the early 2000s, the Mavs were considered one of the top teams in the West. However, it was the Lakers — powered by the duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant — which came out on top for three straight years.

Fast forward to the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, Nowitzki's first crack at the NBA Finals was foiled by Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat in 2006.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Dirk Nowitzki kept the Mavs relevant and come the 2010-11 season, he snagged his first title against the powerhouse Heat squad featuring LeBron James, Wade and Chris Bosh.