Following a blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the international star is preparing for his first full season with the team. Ahead of the team’s season opener this month, Luka also shared some exciting off-court news with his fans.
In a video uploaded to the Luka Doncic Foundation Instagram page, he shared the significant honor he received. The multi-time NBA All-Star was selected to serve as one of the ambassadors for next year’s World Cup.
“I’m proud to serve as an ambassador for the World Cup in Los Angeles,” Luka shared in his update, adding, “The World Cup is the biggest event in sports, so I’m very excited.”
Along with Los Angeles, next year’s FIFA World Cup will feature host sites in other cities across the United States, along with Mexico and Canada. In addition to Luka, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Galaxy star Cobi Jones are among the ambassadors for next year's World Cup.
Luka indicated he’s watched soccer since he was a kid and continues to watch, before sharing some thoughts about the city he currently represents in the NBA. He described Los Angeles as a “very nice city” with “lots of culture,” making it an ideal location to host World Cup soccer.
"Sports can bring the best in people. The World Cup, everybody gets together to watch the best players play for their country," he said.
Undoubtedly, Luka ranks amongst the best players in his country and the United States. In addition to his role as an ambassador for Los Angeles as they host the World Cup, he also holds a significant role with the Lakers as they start the NBA season.
The team received unfortunate news, as NBA superstar LeBron James is out for weeks due to a glute injury. Luka will look to lead the squad in his absence, which makes sense as he’s tabbed to lead them once LeBron retires, which some believe could happen after this season, or shortly after.
Luka is already showing that he’s ready to step up. During the offseason, he committed to improving his fitness so he could contribute more of his talents to the Lakers. His offseason also included representing Slovenia, and he impressed during the team’s run in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament.
That has seemingly carried over to his early performances in preseason games. Earlier this week, Luka took the court against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 22 minutes.
The team will officially open its season with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Oct. 21, where Luka will look to continue showing NBA fans and the world why he’s among the best in his sport.
For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.