A familiar figure from Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks past was spotted observing the Los Angeles Lakers during their offseason minicamp in Slovenia.
Holger Geschwindner, the longtime mentor and shooting coach of Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, was seen in the stands during a Lakers workout in Ljubljana at Stozice Arena, prompting questions about why the renowned German shooting specialist was present.
NBA insider Marc Stein provided the explanation, reporting that Geschwindner works closely with Doncic on the Lakers star's Total Hoops Approach youth basketball initiatives.
The Search Institute is also involved in the project through funding provided by Luka.
Geschwindner helped shape Nowitzki's legendary shot
Geschwindner is best known for his decades-long relationship with Nowitzki, whose unconventional offensive game helped transform the possibilities for shooting big men in the NBA.
The former West Germany international met Nowitzki when the future Mavs superstar was around 16 years old and subsequently became his mentor and individual coach.
Geschwindner's background in mathematics and physics heavily influenced his unusual approach to shooting instruction.
His methods included calculating shooting angles and release points, with Geschwindner determining that an arc of approximately 60 degrees could be optimal.
His work with Nowitzki also extended far beyond conventional shooting drills, incorporating concepts from music, fencing, ballet and other disciplines.
Geschwindner himself was an accomplished player before moving into coaching.
He represented West Germany at the 1972 Munich Olympics and earned 85 international caps during his playing career.
His partnership with Nowitzki ultimately lasted throughout the German star's rise from Wurzburg prospect to NBA MVP and champion.
In 2021, the French superstar Victor Wembanyama trained with Geschwindner for about a week during the summer break.
Doncic and Nowitzki were Mavericks teammates
There is also a direct connection between Doncic and Nowitzki.
The two European greats shared the court during the 2018-19 season, which was simultaneously Luka's rookie campaign and Dirk's 21st and final NBA season.
Doncic immediately established himself as Dallas' next franchise cornerstone, averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists across 72 games and winning Rookie of the Year.
Nowitzki, meanwhile, appeared in 51 games before retiring at the end of the season after spending his entire NBA career with the Mavericks.
That one season created a symbolic handover between two generations of European superstars in Dallas.
Lakers continue work at Doncic's Slovenia minicamp
Geschwindner was spotted during a special Lakers gathering organized by Doncic in his home country ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
After arriving in Ljubljana, the Lakers began the trip with time to settle in, meet the many new faces on the roster, and attend a team dinner.
The basketball portion then began at Stozice Arena, where Luka and his teammates completed a workout under Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean.
The gathering has not been limited to practices.
Doncic organized the trip as a combination of basketball preparation and team bonding, with activities including dinners, sightseeing around Slovenia, a visit to Bled, golf and other recreational plans.
Why Luka Took The Lakers To Slovenia
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