After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Lakers star LeBron James called Mavs youngster Luka Doncic a “bad motherf***er.”

James and Doncic had a special duel. LeBron finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists, while Doncic put up 31 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. The Lakers defeated the Mavs by a final score of 119-110 to improve to 4-1 on the season.

Doncic was asked by reporters what it felt like getting praised from James, and the second-year star couldn't hold back his emotions:

“That was just some crazy stuff for me,” Doncic said of the compliment, via ESPN. “I've been following him. He was my idol from the beginning. I can play against him and play a game like that, and the words that he said after the game were something that were very special for me.

“They're a championship team. We had a chance to win. We did some great things out there, and we should be proud of ourselves.”

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Through the Mavs’ first five games, Doncic is averaging 26.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.4 assists. He is well on his way to making the All-Star game.

Doncic, who is the new franchise player for the Mavs in the post-Dirk Nowitzki era, is wise beyond his years and it shows on the basketball court. He's never in a rush and always plays at his own pace.

Dallas is fortunate to have Luka.