Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Lakers star Luka Doncic of Slovenia reacts during the international basketball friendly match between Slovenia and Germany at Dvorana Stozice, on August 8, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The Los Angeles Lakers are pulling out all the stops for Luka Dončić. From a three-year, $165 million contract extension to arranging a meet-and-greet with his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys, and full support at EuroBasket, the Lakers are making it clear: Dončić is their franchise centerpiece.
But the ultimate gift to top them all? His first NBA championship ring.
“For the Lakers season, we’re committed to building a winning team,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss told Radio 1, according to Slovenian newspaper Ekipa. “We want to give Luka his first championship ring. He’s been to the Finals, and now we want to give him the opportunity to become a champion, maybe even become one more time.”
Pelinka: Building a Championship Team Around Dončić
Lakers president Rob Pelinka confirmed the team’s championship ambitions.
“Absolutely, the title next year is our plan,” Pelinka told reporters, per Ekipa. “With Dončić and LeBron [James], we have two top players. Now we want to build a real team around them.”
The Lakers, with Dončić’s input, have recruited former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to strengthen a roster that fell in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
“It was good to see new basketball players coming to training,” Pelinka said. “Deandre Ayton is a great reinforcement and such a center will be key for Luka’s passes. Marcus Smart will contribute on defense. But first, we want Luka to focus completely on this tournament with Slovenia. Then he can focus on the Lakers again.”
Dončić Appreciates Lakers’ Support
Buss and Pelinka led a contingent from Los Angeles to courtside seats at Dončić’s EuroBasket games, marking the first time he played for Slovenia as a Laker.
“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.”
Making EuroBasket History
Dončić made EuroBasket history Thursday, though Slovenia fell 105-95 to host nation Poland. He became the first player in tournament history with 30+ points, five or more assists, and five or more steals in a single game, finishing with 34 points, nine assists, five steals, four rebounds, and two blocks.
The Slovenian star was nearly flawless at the free-throw line, making 17 of 18 attempts—the most in a EuroBasket game since Juan Carlos Navarro’s 18 in 2003.
Frustration on the Floor
Despite his historic performance, Slovenia struggled to find support. Forwards Edo Muric and Gregor Hrovat added 17 and 15 points, respectively, but Poland maintained control throughout.
Dončić’s frustration boiled over late in the game after a tussle with Poland’s center Dominik Olejniczak.
“Nothing happened, nothing happened. It’s just basketball, you know,” Olejniczak told BasketNews. “First game of the tournament, it’s just emotions. Nothing happened really. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Slovenia Faces Tough Road Ahead
Dončić remains the lone NBA player on Slovenia’s roster, which is missing key contributors Josh Nebo, Vlatko Čančar, Jaka Blažič, and Zoran Dragić.
With their next opponent, France, among the tournament favorites, Slovenia faces an uphill climb—but Dončić’s talent and the Lakers’ backing signal that bigger stages lie ahead.