Jokic: More than winning MVP every year, I want my horses to keep winning races. After LeBron retires, we will respect him even more.

On February 15th, during the NBA All-Star media session, Nuggets star Jokic talked with reporters on a variety of subjects including how to buy a horse, the greatest international players, and LeBron’s long-lasting peak. Below is the complete interview transcript with Jokic—

Reporter: Hey Jokic, I live in Texas and want to buy a horse. Which kind do you think I should get? Any good suggestions?

Jokic: Just get the best one available.

Reporter: That’s a good idea, but how do you know which one is the best?

Jokic: I don’t really know… maybe the most expensive one is the best.

Reporter: I’m not sure how many games you’ve watched this season, but Jaylen Brown is already in the MVP conversation. How do you evaluate his performance this season and competing with you and others for MVP?

Jokic: Yes, definitely. Even though his longtime teammate is gone, he has shown he can lead the team and consistently perform at a high level. He scores well and plays excellent defense. He’s solid on both ends. Like I said, he’s very versatile, contributes on offense and defense, scores steadily, and maintains dominance. His team is also comfortably in the top three in the East. He’s truly an outstanding player.

Reporter (Cousins guest): If you had to choose: winning MVP every year or all your horses winning every race annually, which would you pick?

Jokic: I already have three horses. If all three could win every year, I’d definitely choose that. Great to see you, brother.

Reporter: I want you to pick the four greatest international players in NBA history.

Jokic: Dirk (Nowitzki)… wow, wait, international players—who counts? Dirk, Manu Ginobili, Giannis. I’m not sure who’s the oldest. Does center Hakeem Olajuwon count as international? If yes, then Olajuwon, and I won’t pick Giannis. So that’s Dirk, Manu, Olajuwon. I’m sure I’m missing someone.

Reporter: …And of course, yourself.

Jokic: Maybe after my career ends.

Reporter: What about Tony Parker?

Jokic: That’s a good choice—he has multiple championships and Finals MVPs. I can include him. Oh, and Pau Gasol too. That makes five. You’re making this tough for me.

Reporter: Looking back at when you were a teenager, what advice would you give to young people today?

Jokic: Enjoy yourself and do whatever you want at the moment. If you want to ride a bike, ride it. If you want to jump off a cliff into water, just do it. Have fun and try everything.

Reporter: Regarding this year’s new NBA All-Star format, does it make you more competitive? Or do you feel it’s about the same as before, or that now you have more to represent?

Jokic: I think we’ll see tomorrow. For me, I’ll play like I always do. I don’t know how to put it—I’ll stick to my usual style. I don’t think it will spark extra motivation. I play hard every game anyway.

Reporter: What do you think is the most exciting and competitive aspect of the new USA vs. World All-Star format? Especially compared to how international and American players showcase themselves now.

Jokic: I think on our side there will be some veterans who might play longer, trying to prove they still belong in the league. Most of them are likely future Hall of Famers. The game will be competitive in some ways. European players might pass more and enjoy the game together. The veterans’ group might win, and the third group probably will have the most dunks.

Reporter: LeBron is heading to his 22nd All-Star this year. You said before you don’t want to play into your 40s. As someone who has competed against him, what do you admire most about his long career? How do you feel seeing him still play at such a high level at this stage?

Jokic: You see, many players can’t stay healthy or last this long in the league. To play this many years and still produce great numbers, even now, he remains one of the best players in the league, able to change the game and create advantages whenever he’s on the court. Doing that for 22 straight years is truly admirable. Keep in mind some players in the league are only 19 or 20 years old, so this is remarkable. We should all respect him. Maybe we don’t fully realize it now, but after he retires, we’ll appreciate and honor all he’s done even more.