Rob Pelinka, Luka Doncic, Lakers
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(L-R) Rob Pelinka, general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, looks on as Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks during a press conference.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić appreciated the show of support from team governor Jeanie Buss and team president Rob Pelinka, who flew overseas to attend his first EuroBasket game since being installed as the franchise’s new cornerstone.
“Means a lot,” Dončić said, per EuroHoops. “It’s a long flight, like 11–12 hours, means a lot for them to be here to support me. We had a great lunch today. It was great to see them.”
Buss and Pelinka were spotted courtside in Poland, with Pelinka also photographed chatting with Dončić’s father, Saša, during Slovenia’s practice. The Lakers have developed a strong bond with Dončić’s family since his midseason arrival in a blockbuster trade that sent 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis out of Los Angeles.
The organization has since pivoted from the LeBron James era to make Dončić the centerpiece of its future. That alignment was evident this summer, when the 25-year-old star signed a three-year, $165 million extension and joined the front office in recruiting veterans Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart on team-friendly deals.
Luka’s New Diet, Slimmed Body Fuel Lakers’ Hopes
Dončić enters EuroBasket in the best shape of his career after a strict offseason program. According to Slovenia’s Pop TV, he shed 31 pounds by adopting a 16-hour intermittent fasting plan six days a week, cutting out gluten and processed sugars while packing in 250 grams of protein daily.
His revamped plan, detailed in Men’s Health, includes almond milk–based shakes, more plant-based foods and an offseason month away from basketball to mentally and physically recharge.
“I’d say a little bit of everything,” Doncic said of the impact of his new physique. “Obviously, a little bit faster. But really, just trying to help the team conditioning-wise. Playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games — I think this will be the best for me.”
Dončić’s Fiery Speech After Slovenia’s Blowout Loss
Despite his improved fitness, Slovenia slumped to a 1-5 record in warm-up games, capped by a 106-72 rout at the hands of Serbia. Dončić, who shot just 4-of-18 in that game, vented his frustration in a fiery locker room address afterward, according to Sport Klub.
“I don’t like to talk about what’s going on in the team,” Slovenia forward Edo Murić said. “Yes, we had a conversation. We cleared up a lot of things and told each other. This defeat brought us even closer.”
Head coach Aleksander Sekulić acknowledged Dončić’s frustration but praised his effort: “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.”
Dončić’s Leadership Growth Mirrors Franchise Shift
Dončić’s locker room speech marked another step in his evolution into a vocal leader — growth the Lakers hope will carry into the NBA season.
“Yes, every year he’s more vocal and 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 opens EuroBasket play Thursday against host Poland. While the national team’s poor form could push Dončić into heavy minutes, an early exit may also give him additional rest before Lakers training camp in the fall.
For now, the message from Los Angeles is clear: Buss and Pelinka are invested in Dončić’s growth on both continents — as Slovenia’s fiery captain and as the Lakers’ next franchise centerpiece.