Brief

Luka Dončić jokes with Malika Andrews after viral Lakers interview

The post‑game chat after the Lakers’ opening night win was posted to Instagram, drawing millions of views.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 23 Oct 2026 08:58:47 GMT

Luka Dončić, now a Los Angeles Lakers guard, was interviewed by ESPN host Malika Andrews following the team’s opening‑night victory over the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The interview, described by the New York Post as "all smiles and joking," was edited into a clip that amassed over six million views on X after being shared on Wednesday night.

Andrews posted the clip to her Instagram story on Thursday morning, asking Dončić if his comment, “This is the start of something new,” referenced the iconic “High School Musical” song. Dončić, a known fan of the film, replied, “A little bit, for sure.” The outlet noted Andrews is married to ESPN writer Dave McMenamin and has cultivated a strong rapport with the Lakers star.

The viral moment adds to the excitement surrounding the Lakers’ new era, highlighted by Dončić’s recent move from Dallas and the team’s opening night success.

Key facts

Luka Dončić was interviewed by Malika Andrews after the Lakers beat the Warriors on Oct. 21, 2026. (nypost.com)
An edited clip of the interview received over six million views on X. (nypost.com)
Andrews asked if Dončić’s “start of something new” comment referenced a High School Musical song; he answered affirmatively. (nypost.com)