LukaDoncic is stepping into a new leadership role with Slovenia and the LA Lakers. Teammates note his louder voice, greater presence, and unshakable motivation ahead of EuroBasket 2025, signaling a major evolution on and off the court.
Back in Ljubljana, where the Slovenian national team is preparing for a high-profile friendly against Germany on Friday, LukaDoncic is not only flashing his trademark grin and exchanging jokes with teammates.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic
Position: PG, SG
Age: 26
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Birth place: Ljubljana, Slovenia
He’s also showing signs of a deeper transformation— one of leadership, focus, and responsibility.
“I noticed it already at the first training,” said longtime national teammateKlemen Prepelic, per SportKlub. “He talks much more than in the past. He’s embracing the challenge of being the face of a franchise— in the NBA and here. His words carry weight.”
After a dedicated offseason that saw him commit to strength and conditioning in May, and intensive skill work in June and July, Doncic has now fully turned his attention to the Slovenian national team.
That shift comes fresh off his blockbuster contract extension with the LA Lakers, and following a summer in which he played a hands-on role in recruiting DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles— calling both players personally.
Yet as much as this summer is about the NBA future, Doncic’s national team drive remains fierce.
“So motivated like he is in a Slovenia jersey— you won’t see that anywhere else,” said Prepelic.
Doncic’s growing influence isn’t just visible in his physique or stats. It's audible. On the court, he’s louder. More assertive. Taking charge. And, according to those around him, it’s no coincidence.
“You can already see signs of the new Luka,” Prepelic added. “It’s probably something expected of him by the Lakers as well. He’s the leader now. His voice counts the most.”
One figure watching this transformation closely is Greg St. Jean, who has joined Slovenia’s coaching staff. A former Dallas Mavericks assistant and now a member of the Lakers staff, St. Jean represents the growing synergy between Doncic’s two basketball homes.
“Luka has a great influence on this team— not just on the court,” said head coach AleksanderSekulic, who currently oversees a 17-man training camp roster.
With the Lakers entering a new era and the Slovenian national team preparing for a pivotal EuroBasket,Doncic is emerging not just as a superstar— but as a leader of men. And Friday’s showdown against Germany (20:15 CET) will be a preview of what’s to come.
Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.