Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, Lakers, Luka Doncic
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Dirk Nowitzki attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Luka Doncic hosted the entire Los Angeles Lakers roster for a minicamp in his home country of Slovenia and the team took part in a lot of activities in order to bring everyone closer together. And of course there was also plenty of on-court work in order to build up the chemistry as there are a number of new faces on the roster.
In the background of the pictures and videos that have come out was an unexpected face, however, that of Holger Geschwindner, the famed shooting coach of Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. And he was in the building helping out as he works closely with Doncic on different initiatives on and off the court, via NBA insider Marc Stein:
Asked today why Dirk Nowitzki’s shot doctor Holger Geschwindner is seen observing this Luka Dončić-led Lakers workout in Slovenia.
A: Holger works closely with Luka on his Total Hoops Approach youth basketball initiatives as does The Search Institute via funding from Dončić. https://t.co/eX1kofMEWX
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 23, 2026
Of course, with Doncic beginning his career with the Dallas Mavericks during Nowitzki’s final NBA season, the Hall of Famer served as a mentor to a young Doncic and the two remain very close to this day. In fact, when Doncic was traded to the Lakers, Nowitzki made it a point to attend his debut in the purple and gold as he wanted to show his support.
As such, it really isn’t much of a surprise that someone like Geschwindner, who was so close to Nowitzki throughout his career, would also have a connection to Doncic. And any help that he can give to this roster in terms of improving their shooting is welcomed.
Last season, the Lakers ranked 23rd in 3-pointers made, something that they want to improve upon this season. And with additions such as Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Jaden Hardy, they have the means to climb up those ranks and be one of the better shooting teams in the NBA.
Michael Cooper gives thoughts on new-look Lakers roster
There are some who aren’t quite sure if this Lakers roster can compete with the best teams in the league as currently constructed. But former Lakers player and Hall of Famer Michael Cooper isn’t too worried about it.
Cooper pointed out that the NBA is geared more towards offense right now and the Lakers roster reflects that, adding that it’s most important that the pieces fit around Doncic and Austin Reaves and feels it will be up to JJ Redick and the coaching staff to make that happen.
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