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Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 18, 2025 12:59 AM EDT
Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February marked one of the biggest and arguably most controversial deals in NBA history. The 2023-24 scoring champion was surprisingly sent to the Purple and Gold in a deal that landed the Dallas Mavericks Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick. This offseason, Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million deal with L.A.
With Doncic’s commitment to L.A., the team is expected to build around him in the years to come. There are also high expectations for him for the upcoming 2025-26 season, which will be his first full year with the Lakers.
Luka Doncic Forced to Exit After Getting Hurt With Slovenia
In a concerning turn for the Lakers, however, Doncic was forced to exit a friendly game while suiting up for his native Slovenia in preparation for EuroBasket 2025.
Doncic played well in the first half of the friendly against Latvia on Saturday, recording 26 points and five assists. Unfortunately, he hurt his knee after colliding with a teammate, causing him to leave the game.
An update from NBA reporter Marc Stein revealed that Doncic’s injury is a knee contusion and is not considered serious.
The Basketball Federation of Slovenia also made an announcement about Doncic’s status on Sunday, confirming that the Lakers guard is not injured. He is expected to join the team as they prepare for another friendly, this time against Great Britain.
“After the match in Riga, the team will continue preparations for EuroBasket on Monday – on Tuesday we have a showdown with Great Britain in Arena Stožice,” the federation wrote, as translated on Instagram.
“Captain Luka Dončić will also train with the team, who fortunately ended the match against Latvia without injury.”
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It remains to be seen if Doncic will suit up for Slovenia in their next friendly game. While Slovenia did say he’s healthy, the national team could also opt to give him a rest with EuroBasket starting soon.
EuroBasket 2025 is scheduled to run from August 27 to September 4. Doncic’s Slovenia is in Group D of the tournament.
Luka Doncic Getting Ready for His First Full Season With the Lakers
In 28 games played for the Lakers in 2024-25, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals. L.A. was 18-10 in the games he played in.
Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, expectations are high that Doncic will be the focal point of the offense and improve his season averages.
Aug 7, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Team Slovenia point guard Luka Doncic (77) shakes hands with Australia players and coaches after their game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) is set to play for Slovenia in the 2025 EuroBasket. — Source: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Doncic’s improvement in his conditioning — which was reportedly a major reason the Mavs traded him — has also been a positive development that has only increased optimism among Lakers fans for the upcoming season.
About the Author
Angelo Guinhawa
Senior Editor, Athlon Sports
Angelo Guinhawa is a senior editor on the Athlon Sports breaking and trending news team.