Slovenia saw their run at EuroBasket 2025 come to an end after a competitive 99-91 loss to powerhouse Germany in the quarterfinals. However, another brilliant performance from Luka Doncic has many wondering one thing: Is he the best player on the planet?
It is fair question to ask after another brilliant outing, even with the loss. Doncic poured in 39 points, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists in the loss to Germany. It added to a brilliant tournament overall.
Doncic has led EuroBasket 2025 in points per game for the majority of the process. Barring some truly breathtaking performances from his competitors in the final two rounds, that fact should remain the same when all is said and done.
The Slovenian superstar has been playing some of the best basketball of his career while elevating his national team beyond their station with his leadership. After a well-publicized body transformation, Doncic is undoubtedly right in the mix for the crown of the best hooper in the world.
Luka Doncic can continue to build his case with Lakers in 2025-26
After an inconsistent first season with the Los Angeles Lakers that was dampened by injury recovery and emotional turmoil, Doncic looks back to his old self. Quite frankly, that may be inaccurate.
The whole reason why today's discussion is being had would be because the Lakers superstar looks even better than before. Doncic is a player who is showcasing a whole new level.
One of the primary reasons for that belief is how much better and more active Luka has looked defensively throughout the EuroBasket competition. One of the biggest critiques around his game was quickly being silenced as Doncic was playing so well that it warranted a nomination for the Best Defensive Player award at the tournament.
It's not just the defense. Doncic proved to be a more reliable free throw shooter at EuroBasket too. The biggest flaw of his offensive game was mostly an afterthought. Granted, a 12-of-15 shooting performance against Germany did leave a bit to be desired.
LUKA DONCIC: 39 PTS | 10 REB | 7 AST
Best player in the EuroBasket 2025? 🌍 pic.twitter.com/OqFPaF2Rzk
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 10, 2025
Even so, when someone who was already widely regarded as a top three to five player in the world is showing notable signs of improvement, it demands attention. However, the naysayers will quickly jump at just how badly Slovenia needed the type of carry job they received from Doncic.
The solution for convincing those doubters is simple. Doncic must continue to build on the excellence displayed at EuroBasket 2025 with a dominant 2025-26 season from both an individual and team perspective.
This question can be asked once more following the conclusion of the upcoming campaign. There may not be an easy answer when that time comes. Or maybe, there will be.