LUKA DONČIĆ AT HIS OWN PACE - A CONVERSATION ON THE JORDAN LUKA 5

© NIKE - Luka Dončić's Jordan Luka 5

When people hear the name Luka Dončić, the image feels immediate. NBA nights. Slow possessions. Big bodies moving out of position. Luka plays basketball at a tempo that feels personal, almost stubborn, like he refuses to rush simply because the game around him demands speed. He reads the floor, leans into contact, pauses defenders, and moves only when the advantage is clear.

His game lives between calm and force. Strong without chaos. Patient without hesitation. Everything starts from balance and footwork, from understanding where space exists before it becomes visible. Over time, this way of playing shifted how people watch basketball. Less fixation on speed. More respect for timing, decision making, and physical control. Luka does not chase the game. He shapes it.

Once basketball enters the conversation, another name follows naturally. Jordan Brand.

We sat down with the Jordan team to discuss this the new launch of Luka Dončić’s Jordan Luka 5 releases in January, arriving during a moment where his identity feels settled and clear.

Interviewed: Edric Egberuare, Jordan Sport Product Line Manager for Signature Footwear, who worked first hand on the Luka 5.

We often hear that players are really involved in the design process of their own signature shoes. At what point in the Luka 5 design process was Luka Dončić consulted?

We always start with the athlete. The process begins very early often while we’re still finishing the previous model, in this case the Luka 4.

We start by asking questions: "What are you looking for? What do you need? What’s working on court, and what isn’t?"

At the same time, we’re observing how Luka is playing how he moves, how he gets to his spots, how his game is evolving. As players get older and more experienced, they become even more aware of what they need from their footwear, and Luka is very much at that stage.

So to answer directly: Luka is involved from the very beginning. We don’t brief product or start designing anything until we have a true insight into his needs and what we’re trying to solve for.

You showed us that there are many details related to Luka’s lifestyle in the shoe. What stories can you share?
It’s about capturing those personal rituals. For example, Luka often dots the “i” with a heart when he writes her name that kind of detail inspired some of the design language.

There are small Easter eggs throughout the shoe. I won’t give them all away, but once you have the shoe in hand, you’ll start to notice pieces of Luka’s personality and habits embedded into the design.

You’ve been working on this shoe for a long time. What’s your favorite part of the Luka 5?

For me, it’s how it plays. When you watch high school or college basketball today, you see so many movements that are clearly influenced by Luka, step-backs, side-steps, hesitation moves.

The Luka 5 really combines court feel plus pop. It’s a true performance tool. When kids put it on, it feels intuitive, it just works. That translation from Luka, to elite players, to kids on playgrounds is what makes it special.

The Jordan Luka reaches retail in early January. A low key but meaningful moment for NBA fans and sneaker culture alike.

© NIKE - Luka Dončić's Jordan Luka 5