“You deserve it.” That's what Arvydas Sabonis said to his son Domantas when he won the NBA All-Star the first time, something Arvydas never achieved.

The legendary Arvydas never reached it. His son (26) achieved it twice. Domantas' last contract, in 2019, was worth $77 million. 

Next season, with the Kings, Domantas will earn $18.5 million. Arvydas earned less than $50 million total in seven seasons in the NBA.

Domantas averages 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in the NBA. Arvydas finished with 12 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

Arvydas joined the NBA when he was already 31 years old, after suffering serious injuries. There in Portland is where his son Domantas was born in 1996.

“I always said that if even one of my three sons makes it to the professional level, I would be so happy," said Arvydas after moving to Malaga.

That's why Domantas has a Malaga accent. He debuted with the Spanish league LEB Plata with Clínicas Rincón at 16 years old before playing for Gonzaga.

In Europe, of course, the power forward is far from the legend his father was. His background with Lithuania is reduced to a continental silver (2015).

Arvydas won everything with the USSR (World Cup, Games, Eurobasket) and with Lithuania he added a European silver and two Olympic bronzes.

Domantas was the youngest to debut with the illustrious Lithuanian team in 2015. He took that title from Valanciunas.

Now Sabonis and Valanciunas, both in the NBA, lead a Lithuanian team who's looking to upset the favorites. They haven't won a Eurobasket since 2003. 

Also on the team are Giedraitis, Grigonis, Kuzminskas… and the super talented Barcelona and future NBA player, point guard Jokubaitis (21).

Sabonis wants to get rid of the bad taste in his mouth after missing the 2017 Eurobasket due to the imposition of his then tram, the Indiana Pacers.