“They Don’t Like Me”: Luka Doncic’s Fear Of Spiders And More Has Him Rejecting Australia As A Travel Destination

Josh Green may have played significant minutes during Game 6, but it was his postgame interview that caught all the attention. While being interviewed by ESPN Australia, Green had a hilarious conversation about Luka Doncic that hilariously disclosed the latter’s fear of spiders and snakes. The Australian even revealed he insisted that Doncic visit his home country, but the latter immediately declined.

During the interview, Josh announced that the 6ft 7” guard would be visiting Australia in the upcoming offseason. With Doncic noticeably surprised, an amusing back-and-forth immediately ensued.

Luka: “ESPN Australia!”

Green: “Luka is coming to Australia this offseason…”

Luka: “No there’s too many spiders… I’m afraid of snakes and spiders”

The five-time All-Star also claimed that Aussies didn’t “like” him.

Luka: “They don’t like me.”

Green: “They love you. I told him that everyone loves him in Australia but he doesn’t listen to me.” [per Kane Pitman]

There could be one potential reason for the crowd in Australia not “liking” him. During the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Luka rallied the Slovenian team to defeat Patty Mills and co. 91-80 in the second round of the tournament. Having already lost to Germany in the first round, the 11-point loss resulted in Australia’s elimination from the campaign.

So, while Doncic may have only been doing his job, Australia does indeed have a reason to dislike the Slovenian superstar. That said, perhaps he shouldn’t count out his chances of a peaceful visit to the country just yet.

Luka Doncic could visit Australia due to his friendship with Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has been successful while playing FIBA tournaments, having won the 2010 FIBA Americans U18 Championship, the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and the 2016 Olympics. However, despite achieving all of these while representing Team USA, Irving is actually an Australian citizen.

The Mavericks star moved to the USA at a young age after being born in Melbourne, Australia. On numerous occasions in his career, he has contemplated representing his birth nation. However, he claims that Coach K influenced his decision and eventually convinced him to play for Team USA instead.

“I consider myself an international player even though I played on Team USA,” Irving told Fox Sports. “Team USA asked me to play for them when I was 17 or 18 … I wanted to play for Australia, but it just didn’t happen. Coach K wasn’t going to let that happen either.”

“I mean, he’s Coach K. As a young fella, he definitely did tell me I had a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself and ultimately being the starting point guard on the US Olympic team.”

Kyrie and his former coach (at Duke University) found success, winning gold medals in the FIBA World Cup and Olympics.

Luka Doncic has often expressed his love for Kyrie, and vice-versa. Apart from lauding each other for the players that they are, they seem to be more proud of each other’s humble personalities.

Considering that the two are so close on and off the court, there could be a possibility that Doncic can travel to Australia without receiving threats from the public for his hand in knocking them out of the World Cup. However, given his many fears, it’s unlikely the Slovenian superstar ever considers taking the option.