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Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 26, 2025 10:39 AM EDT
EuroBasket 2025 is days away from tipping off, bringing Europe’s best national teams to a head before the start of the NBA season. Multiple NBA stars are expected to participate in this year’s EuroBasket, including Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, who’s the only NBA player representing Slovenia.
All competing national teams have played friendly games in preparation for the tournament, including Doncic’s Slovenia. They competed in six exhibition games, including one with co-hosts Latvia in Riga. Doncic dropped 26 points in the first half in the August 16 clash as Latvia won 100-88.
However, this matchup almost didn’t come to pass until Latvia covered all of Slovenia’s travel expenses. Kaspars Cipruss, the Secretary General ofthe Latvian Basketball Association (LBS), admitted they covered all costs to ensure Luka Doncic played in Riga, boosting the importance of the match.
Bringing Luka Doncic to Riga “Was (Their) Marketing Trick”
In an interview with BasketNews, who reached out to Cipruss after controversy on the costs Latvia took as EuroBasket hosts, the Secretary General confirmed why ensuring Slovenia and Doncic competed in Riga was crucial.
“Yes, we paid for Slovenian flight tickets to Riga. I think it didn’t include their trip back to Slovenia. It was the only way Slovenia would agree to come to play in Latvia. It was our marketing trick. That’s why Luka Doncic played in Riga, but not in Siauliai,” Cipruss said.
“Without Doncic, we probably would have sold 60-70% of the tickets. Now, we had a crazy sold out. It was crazy when people stayed near the hotel for signatures. It’s never been like this in Latvia.
“I don’t know exactly how much we paid for Slovenia’s flight tickets, but in the end, we’re getting one of the best and popular athletes in the world. Of course, we’re on it. It was a commercial decision. You want to bring the best players, you invest in it,” he added.
Doncic takes his responsibility to Slovenia seriously, playing every tournament the team has participated in since EuroBasket 2017, winning Gold despite being underdogs. He also led Slovenia to the Bronze medal game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a massive achievement.
Given his star power, it makes sense that the LBS wanted Doncic to compete in an exhibition game on their soil to allow fans to see a talent like him live.
Slovenia EuroBasket 2025 Preview: Roster, Fixtures, Injuries
As previously mentioned, Doncic is the only NBA player on the Slovenian roster. Recent national teams featured NBA players such as national team legend Goran Dragic until his retirement, and Denver Nuggets champion Vlatko Cancar.
Slovenia fans cheering Lakers guard Luka Doncic at NBA game
Dallas Mavericks fans hold up the Slovenia flag to cheer on guard Luka Doncic as he warms up prior to a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena. — Source: Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Slovenia will miss key contributors Josh Nebo and Cancar, as both focus on their upcoming domestic seasons for Olympiacos Milan.
The full roster features a diverse bunch of names playing across leagues in Europe and the world.
Player Team
Luka Doncic Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Gregor Hrovat JDA Dijon (France)
Robert Jurkovic Free agent
Martin Krampelj Sagesse SC (Lebanon)
Edo Muric KK Ilirija (Slovenia)
Mark Padjen KK Ilirija (Slovenia)
Klemen Prepelic Dubai Basketball (UAE, EuroLeague)
Rok Radovic Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Leon Stergar Free agent
Luka Scuka Lowen Braunschweig (Germany)
Aleksej Nikolic Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Alen Omic Buducnost Podgorica (Montenegro)
Slovenia has been seeded into Group D for EuroBasket 2025, playing their games in Katowice, Poland.
Game Time Date
vs. Poland 2:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. CEST August 28
vs. France 11 a.m. ET/5 p.m. CEST August 30
vs. Belgium 8 a.m. ET/2 p.m. CEST August 31
vs. Iceland 11 a.m. ET/5 p.m. CEST September 2
vs. Israel 11 a.m. ET/5 p.m. CEST September 4
Doncic suffered a knee injury during this coveted game in Latvia, rendering him unable to play in the second half. During a defensive rotation, teammate Gregor Hrovat clattered into Doncic’s knee, with the Lakers guard taking a timeout while grimacing.
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However, this doesn’t look to disrupt his plans. Doncic played in Slovenia’s exhibition game against Great Britain on August 19. He will be ready to make history with Slovenia once again before entering a high-stakes NBA training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers in late September.
About the Author
Ishaan Bhattacharya
Senior Content Manager
Ishaan Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Manager for Athlon Sports.