Slovenia overachieved. That sentiment is still true even after a 99-91 loss to Germany in the quarterfinals of EuroBasket 2025. The most important takeaway from the contest for Rob Pelinka would be to not allow what happened to Slovenia transpire with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Germany 🇩🇪 complete the Semi-Finals picture at #EuroBasket 2025!
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 10, 2025
The entire tournament for Luka Doncic can be summarized as a masterclass of floor raising. The Slovenian superstar looked like a one-man army time and time again when his team needed it. One could easily argue this was the best basketball of his career, putting him firmly back in contention for the title of best player in the world.
Even in the loss against Germany, Doncic posted 39 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. What that should tell anyone is that Luka was asked to do too much, again. Pelinka cannot have that same story occur with the Lakers in 2025-26.
For as great as Doncic is, and that is absolutely superb, every great player needs a strong supporting cast to break through as a champion. Pelinka must work towards providing that for him before another year of his career gets wasted.
Luka Doncic needs more from the Lakers for a championship push
With Serbia and France eliminated from EuroBasket, Germany had firmly taken the title of tournament favorites at EuroBasket 2025. Slovenia, a team with no other NBA players except for Doncic, pushed them to the limit in the quarterfinals.
That alone should tell Pelinka what Luka can do for any team: providing them with a fighting chance. However, the loss is just as important here.
Out of gas...damn autocorrect
— Iztok Franko (@iztok_franko) September 10, 2025
The Lakers would be wise to avoid Doncic needing to deliver herculean efforts on a regular basis for the team. In all fairness, Los Angeles should not need Luka's heroics to the same capacity that his national team did. They do have a competent roster.
However, competent and championship-ready are two different stories. For as good as the Lakers already are, the finishing touches on a title team still need to be added. Luckily for Doncic, there has been some recent indication to suggest Pelinka and the front office will do just that.
Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Lakers will be going all-in on Doncic and this group. In particular, they will be searching out a two-way wing to boost the supporting cast for their superstar.
Say what you will about the Dallas Mavericks, they showcased the ability to build a strong roster around Doncic in 2023-24. That unit got to compete in the NBA Finals as a result. That future can be had by the Lakers, they just need that extra push.