Luka Doncic, Lakers
Getty
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic of Slovenia reacts during the international basketball friendly match.
Luka Dončić vented his frustration on his Slovenian teammates following a 106-72 rout by Serbia in Slovenia’s final warm-up game ahead of EuroBasket, signaling a growing leadership role that could have implications for the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Sport Klub, the Lakers star delivered a stern locker room message after Slovenia’s fifth loss in six games in preparation for the continental tournament.
“I don’t like to talk about what’s going on in the team. Yes, we had a conversation. We cleared up a lot of things and told each other. This defeat brought us even closer,” Slovenia forward Edo Murić said.
A Tough Night for Dončić
Luka Doncic, Lakers
Getty Lakers star Luka Doncic of Slovenia reacts during the international basketball friendly match.
Dončić struggled on the court against Serbia, scoring just 17 points on 4-of-18 shooting, including 2-of-10 from three-point range — his worst performance in Slovenia’s six tune-up games.
Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic noted the superstar’s frustration, praising his defensive efforts but emphasizing the team’s deficiencies.
“I also felt frustration from him this time,” Sekulić said, per Sport Klub. “He had a big desire, and he tried a lot in defense, too. Maybe he will have to accept a little that quality matters too here. The opponent was much better. But we allowed them to look even better. That’s what we need to fix—and help Luka.”
Emerging as a Vocal Leader
Dončić’s locker room address underscores his evolution into a vocal leader — a development that bodes well for the Lakers, who have made him the new face of the franchise after a three-year, $165 million extension this summer.
“Yes, every year he’s more vocal,” Murić said. “This is what we need from him. He’s our leader, and this needs to be done on the court and off the court. That’s why I say he’s maturing; he knows what he’s talking about, and it’s really a pleasure to follow him.”
Slovenia concluded its warm-up slate with a 1-5 record. With Dončić as the only NBA-caliber player on the roster, the team is not expected to contend for EuroBasket honors, which may allow Dončić to enter the NBA season with less wear and tear. However, the high usage required to carry Slovenia could also increase injury risk. Slovenia opens its EuroBasket campaign Thursday, Aug. 28, against Poland.
Working Off the Ball for the Lakers
Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves, Lakers
Getty Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers are committed to working on their chemistry.
Off the court, Dončić has been refining his off-ball skills under the supervision of Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean, who also serves on Slovenia’s coaching staff.
A key focus this summer has been improving his catch-and-shoot game — a critical element to help optimize spacing for the Lakers when LeBron James or Austin Reaves handles the ball, according to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin.
“Sources close to the Lakers say he has focused on becoming more comfortable shooting off the catch,” Irwin reported. Dončić has maintained close contact with coaches, including St. Jean, to align on ways he can impact possessions without being the primary ballhandler.
As Dončić embraces a leadership role with Slovenia, the Lakers are poised to benefit from his growing maturity and expanded offensive versatility when training camp opens this fall.