Lakers GM Rob Pelinka emphasized that the Lakers have "zero problems" with Luka Doncic playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025, highlighting the team's full support for their star's national team commitments.
The Slovenian national team and Luka Doncic welcomed some special guests ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and team president Jeanie Buss traveled to Katowice, Poland, to visit their superstar.
"That's really important to the Lakers when we have a player that's the face of our franchise, just to show that support for him," Pelinka told reporters. "And it's just great to see him with his teammates interacting, having fun.
"As you said, he's in great shape, really committed to working hard this summer. And to be able to watch that in person was worth flying over the ocean to be with him."
Pelinka shared that he and Buss met Doncic for lunch during their visit.
"Jeanie Buss and I had lunch with Luka today and talked a lot about just the mindset he has to lead the team here," Pelika noted. "And you can just tell how much pride he has about playing for his country and how the relationships he has with his teammates are so close. He really wants to play well.
"I think we'll see that tomorrow, being here in Poland, where the Slovenian team gets to play against the Polish national team. It's going to be an electric environment. And Luka felt really prepared."
While some NBA fans question stars competing for their national teams in the offseason, the Lakers made it clear they fully support Doncic.
"Zero problems," Pelinka stated. "I mean, it's just something that we believe in for the Lakers organization and their leadership, and obviously, their executives have been great. It's been a collaborative partnership with them.
"We had one of our Los Angeles Lakers coaches, Coach Greg St. Jean, added to the staff just for support. So we'll continue to support Luka throughout his career so he can do great things for the Lakers and for the Slovenian national team.
"I think when you're made to play a sport, you should play for your national team, and so we support that. Luka just loves to play. It's his favorite thing to do in the world, and we would do nothing to get in the way of that."
Pelinka also revealed plans for a future trip to Slovenia.
"We're excited about that. In fact, we were talking with Luka today," Pelinka said. "He definitely is excited to show us the country, go horseback riding, and try some food from there. So, Jeanie and I will be making a trip there as well."
Slovenia plays its first EuroBasket 2025 games against Poland on Thursday (August 28). Their group opponents also include Iceland, Belgium, France, and Israel.
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