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Los Angeles Lakers
Sep 12, 2025 8:57 AM EDT
Luka Doncic had one of the best EuroBasket campaigns out of any player in the 2025 edition of the tournament. He averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game for Slovenia.
Doncic and the Slovenian national team were eliminated in the round of eight, but most people thought they were one of the weakest teams without their star player. However, Doncic was good enough to carry his team to the final eight teams in the EuroBasket tournament.
Luka Doncic dribbles the ball in the NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images — Source: Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
In the NBA, Doncic is one of the top players. He is a perennial MVP candidate with the Dallas Mavericks, and now with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now that he is with the Lakers, he could even become an MVP favorite.
If he continues to succeed in the league and for Slovenia, he could become one of the NBA’s greatest international players. He has some stiff competition there, but multi-time All-Star Paul George believes the Slovenian guard is destined for the top spot.
George Sees Doncic’s Potential To Beat The Legends
Basketball is a global sport that has produced plenty of international titans. Names like Hakeem Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, Nikola Jokic, and many more have graced the NBA with their talent.
Doncic is one of the most gifted players in NBA history, and that is mostly because of his natural talent. He can out-score anyone with his natural knack for putting the ball in the hoop, but he can also be the highest level of playmaker.
That takes talent and hard work, which Doncic has exhibited throughout his NBA career. He was already a standout in Spain for Real Madrid, but as soon as he entered the league, Doncic became a standout player. As he is only 26, he has a legacy to keep writing.
For a student of the game and experienced basketball player like George, saying Doncic has all-time great potential is significant.
“We’re talking about the biggest international player now. That’s surpassing GOATs, you know what I mean? That’s surpassing Dirk (Nowitzki), Tony (Parker), and Hakeem (Olajuwon). He’s got the chance to be the biggest international guy,” George said on Podcast P.
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“He’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is way older than what he is. He’s tough, man. He’s a problem. Big fan of Luka. He’s a cold killer.”
Doncic Could Improve His Legacy In Los Angeles
As he continues to be one of the NBA’s standout players, Doncic will continue to have a strong resume. However, he is only 26, so he has much more to add to his legacy.
Doncic has all the talent in the world, which could lead to some of the best results in the long run. It will be challenging to continue being a top player, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick should be able to build his system around the Slovenian star.
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LeBron James is still on the roster, but he will one day leave the team. Doncic is the long-term piece, and the Lakers have been blessed with another superstar to build around. The future is bright in Los Angeles, and Doncic is the primary reason for long-term basketball excellence again.
It is too early to tell if George’s prediction will come true, but Doncic has the talent to prove himself.
About the author
NBA & WNBA Writer, Athlon Sports
Cholo is a lifelong basketball fan who aims to highlight sport through in-depth storytelling around the NBA and WNBA. He has written hundreds of stories since joining Athlon Sports in 2024.