Paul Pierce, the NBA Hall of Famer turned analyst, has found himself in an unexpected situation—a sudden change in his favorite pastime, a sudden scarcity of reservations. For him, it was his go-to activity after a long day, the kind of situation where you puff the hookah and forget the world. But lately? Not a chance. A Lakers star has turned his favorite pastime into a battle for a seat. What got Pierce beefing with frustration? Let’s just say a certain $215 million superstar got the entire city buzzing at night, and it’s not just about basketball.

Enters Luka Doncic. The $215 million superstar is running the show on the court, but according to Paul Pierce, his influence runs far beyond the hardwood. In the recent episode of the “Speak on FS” show, Paul Pierce praised Luka and his extensive role that goes beyond the scoreboard. Paul took the time to give insights on how athletes’ off-court habits have reshaped LA’s nightlife economy. The fans were leaning to listen to what Paul had to say. The stage was set for a tale that’s less about the hoops and more about the hookahs, with a Slovenian sensation at the center of it.

On the podcast, Pierce dropped a bombshell about Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ newest star. “It’s not only the impact that Luka has made on the Lakers, because all of you are right. Obviously, the Lakers are championship contenders since he’s arrived, but it’s the impact he’s made around the whole of Los Angeles,” Pierce declared. Then he laughingly said,” See, I’m here with boots on the ground. And from my observation, hookah lounges are packed every single night.” Pierce, who’s a seasoned hookah enthusiast himself, said, “I can’t get a reservation anymore. That was my spot. Prices are up because of Luka Doncic, with everybody waiting to see if they can get a glimpse of him walking in one of the hookah lounges.” It’s true! He wrapped up concluding, “So it’s not only impacts what’s happening on the court, it’s the impact that he’s having off the court.”

The context here is crazy! Luka Doncic, known for his love of hookah. Hookah—a hobby that stirred controversy with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, has brought the vibe back to LA. Since the blockbuster trade to the Lakers in February of this year, fans have crowded the hookah lounges, hoping to catch a glimpse of the $215 million superstar. Pierce’s insights aren’t about ranting, it’s about how Doncic’s presence is boosting local businesses. Luka is driving the demands up and making it tough for regulars like Paul to snag a table.

Doncic’s gravitational pull is huge. “He’s impacting the economy—the economy in all of Los Angeles,” Pierce emphasized, dubbing him the “Hookah Doncic.” From jersey sales to tourism spikes, Doncic’s arrival has injected life into a city already synonymous with glamour. The Former Dallas superstar has been hitting the life with threes, ever since landing in LA.

Luka Doncic’s LA: More than just hookah hype

Ever since Luka landed in LA, it has been all electric! The team is more sharper, more balanced and honestly? They look like title contenders again. Luka has bought the spark to the team, which they have been waiting for ever since 2020. Lakers have gone from “play-off” team to “title contender” in just a matter of months.

Don’t believe the hype? Just look at the numbers. The Lakers jumped from a 7 seed finish last season to comfortably sitting in the top 3. Doncic has teamed up with LeBron and co to make the Lakers one of the top-tier threats in the Western Conference. Luka is averaging a near triple-double figure and has doubled the number of offensive attacks for the Lakers.

And then there are the commercial side of things. The No. 77 jersey sales have exploded, bringing in a new-record high in sales for the team. Home game tickets are practically gold dust. The vibe in Crypto.com Arena has shifted; it’s louder, more electric, and fun. The city is breathing Lakers basketball again, and Luka Doncic is the lungs.

But it’s not just a hype and headlines. The Lakers‘ front office has shifted into win mode. The trades have been strategic, and the vision is clear–Championship. All signs indicate that the team is not just happy with the superstar, but is ready to build a legacy around him. It’s not just the economy of LA that’s getting the boost; it’s the soul of the franchise, too. So while Paul Pierce may be mourning his lost lounge night, the rest of LA is busy celebrating.