Luka Doncic may currently be in Slovenia, but the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has remained separate from the national team's preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
Following Slovenia's friendly 85-78 loss to Montenegro on Saturday, veteran center Alen Omic was asked whether Doncic had spoken to the players or found time to offer some motivational words while hosting the Lakers in his home country.
According to Omic, that has not happened.
"No, he did not speak," Omic said, per Ekipa. "He has his obligations. We leave him alone, he leaves us alone. Let him sort out what he needs to do. I hope this all ends as soon as possible, so that he can come help the national team.
"But we need everyone; it's not just about him. ... Every player is welcome. But it's true that I, who am the oldest, expect even more from everyone."
Why Doncic is not playing for Slovenia
Doncic will not represent Slovenia during the August qualifying window after deciding earlier this summer to prioritize time with his family.
The Lakers star explained in June that his daughters were the primary reason behind his decision to sit out this year's World Cup qualifying windows.
"The main reason is my daughters. The most important thing for me is being at home with my daughters. Right now, that's what matters most," Doncic said at the time.
Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic subsequently left Luka off his preliminary roster for the August games, with the Slovenian federation listing personal reasons for his absence.
Doncic's absence comes at a crucial stage of qualification. Slovenia enters the second round fifth in Group L at 3-3, although Estonia, Sweden and Hungary carry the same record.
France leads the group at 5-1, while Finland sits second at 4-2.
The top three teams from the group will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, meaning every remaining game carries significant weight.
Slovenia opens the second round against France in Paris on Aug. 27 before returning home to face Hungary at Stozice Arena on Aug. 30.
Doncic hosting Lakers in Slovenia
While the national team prepares without him, Luka is currently hosting almost the entire Lakers roster for a private offseason minicamp in Slovenia.
The gathering is designed to combine basketball work with team bonding before Los Angeles begins official preparations for the 2026-27 NBA season.
After arriving in Ljubljana, the Lakers spent their opening day checking into their hotel, getting acquainted with new teammates and attending a group dinner.
The basketball portion then began with a two-hour workout at Stozice under Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean.
Doncic has also organized several activities away from the court. The Lakers' itinerary includes a visit to Bled, fishing, golf, meals at some of Luka's favorite places and other activities intended to help the new-look roster build chemistry.
Doncic reportedly arranged a chartered flight for a large group of Lakers players and prepared Slovenian-themed gifts for his teammates as part of the trip.