Luka Doncic’s loyalty to Slovenia is clear and unshakable, even as the national team continues to compete in EuroBasket 2025 without much star power. Despite being the only NBA player on the roster, Doncic chooses to represent his home country every chance he gets.
Doncic's commitment speaks volumes about who he is
This is not just about pride; it is a statement about who he is as a player and a person. His commitment to Slovenia reflects the same kind of dedication he has shown throughout his NBA career.
Whether with the Dallas Mavericks or now the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic is not about quick moves or easy outs. He is in it for the long haul.
Brian Windhorst recently shared what a scout said after watching Slovenia play Serbia during their last preparation game: “Slovenia’s got nothing.”
The scout was blunt about how thin the roster looks compared to other European powerhouses. The team was denied having two NBA talent players on the team, yet even through that, Doncic stayed loyal.
Tim MacMahon, on the same ESPN episode, highlighted how remarkable that is. Doncic had options. He holds a Spanish passport and could have tried to join Spain’s much stronger national team, or even Serbia, where he has roots through his family.
Instead, he sticks with Slovenia every summer and during every tough competition. That kind of loyalty is extremely rare in today’s basketball world.
It is easy to talk about Doncic’s dazzling talent, his clutch shots, or his triple-doubles, but his character shines just as bright. His devotion to Slovenia tells you a lot about his mindset. He does not take the easy route just to pad his resume. He wants to lead where it counts, even if the team struggles.
That same mentality carried through his NBA days with Dallas. Drafted as a teenager, he rewarded the Mavericks with seven-plus years of spectacular basketball, MVP-caliber seasons, All-NBA honors, and memorable playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance.
The shock came when Dallas traded him to Los Angeles last season. Doncic never publicly asked to leave, never caused drama.
He accepted the move with professionalism, demonstrating his loyalty to the game and the team even during the transition. When the Lakers gave him a chance to commit long-term, he did not hesitate.
Just 28 games into his Lakers career, Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million extension. That shows he is not just renting a spot; he is planting roots. In a league where players frequently chase rings, better contracts, or flashier situations, Doncic’s steady loyalty stands out.
He is not just about scoring points or hitting clutch shots. Over time, it is his heart and dedication to Slovenia, the Lakers, and the game that might make him one of the most respected players of his generation.