The Los Angeles Lakers will support Luka Doncic at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by sending one of their coaches to assist with his preparation and recovery while he represents Slovenia.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is set to represent Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. The news was confirmed by Matej Erjavec, president of the Basketball Association of Slovenia.
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Initial concerns were that the LA Lakers might be less cooperative than the Dallas Mavericks regarding Luka's participation in the national team.
However, his father, Sasa Doncic, who also serves as the association's sports director, quickly connected with the LA front office and finalized the arrangements without any issues.
The conversation with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka reportedly lasted just two minutes. The Lakers fully understand Luka's desire to represent his country and have given their full support.
According to the same report, the Lakers will even assign one of their coaches to join Slovenia's staff.
While the exact individual hasn't been named yet, it's likely to be a conditioning coach who will oversee Doncic's preparation and recovery during the tournament.
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The Lakers are no strangers to accommodating national team duties. During Pau Gasol's six-year stint in LA, he consistently played for Spain in international competitions without issue.
Per NBA rules, Doncic is allowed to train with the national team for up to one month. He's expected to join the squad about two weeks before the start of the tournament.
EuroBasket 2025 will run from August 28 to September 14. Slovenia is placed in Group D alongside Iceland, France, Belgium, Israel, and host nation Poland.
Once the group stage concludes, the knockout rounds will be held in Riga, Latvia.
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