Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Luka Doncic of Slovenia reacts during the international basketball friendly match between Slovenia and Germany.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ top decision-makers made a transatlantic trip to send a message to their new franchise star.
Team governor Jeanie Buss and team president Rob Pelinka flew to Poland this week to watch Luka Dončić’s first EuroBasket game as a Laker, showing support for the 25-year-old’s commitment to representing Slovenia.
“We are happy to be here,” Pelinka told reporters, per Slovenia’s Ekipa newspaper. “It is great to be associated with the Slovenian national team. The entire Lakers franchise is extremely proud of everything Luka does with this team, everything they do together for this country. We wanted to travel here to show our support.”
Pelinka added that Dončić’s passion for the Slovenian jersey underscores his leadership qualities.
“Jeanie and I talked to Luka and he realizes that he is the leader of this team,” Pelinka said. “He quickly lets you know how much pride he feels in the national team jersey. We are aware that he is the first star of this national team; we believe in that too. As long as he feels the passion for the basketball he plays, it can only be good.”
Luka Dončić Reacts to Lakers’ Bold Gesture
Dončić said he appreciated the show of support.
“Means a lot,” Dončić told 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.”
The Lakers have invested heavily in Dončić since acquiring him in February in a blockbuster trade that sent 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, defensive guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick out of Los Angeles.
Since then, Pelinka and Dončić have moved in lockstep — from the rescinded Mark Williams deal, to a dinner meeting following the team’s first-round playoff exit, to jointly recruiting veteran free agents Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. The Lakers cemented Dončić’s role as the face of the franchise by signing him to a three-year, $165 million extension.
LeBron James Faces Uncertain Future
LeBron James, Knicks
Getty LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers hangs in the balance.
That shift came without a similar commitment to LeBron James. The 40-year-old forward, who has defined the Lakers since 2018, enters next season on a $52.6 million expiring contract with no option attached — the first time in his Lakers tenure he won’t hold future control. James picked up his player option in June, but his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that they will monitor the Lakers’ offseason and evaluate James’ future, though no trade request had been made.
Pelinka said the organization remains hopeful that James will retire as a Laker, but stressed that the decision rests with the four-time champion.
“The number one thing we have to do is respect his and his family’s decision in terms of how long he’s gonna play,” Pelinka said. “But if he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great.”
As James weighs his future, Buss and Pelinka’s trip underscored a new reality in Los Angeles. The Lakers have handed the keys over to Dončić, investing both on and off the court to ensure his leadership defines the next era.
Their long flight to Poland wasn’t just about EuroBasket—it was a clear signal that Luka Dončić, not LeBron James, now sits at the center of the Lakers’ championship vision.