Luka Dončić’s Teammate Notes Star’s Rapid Growth as Vocal Leader
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Slovenian veteran Klemen Prepelič says Luka Dončić is embracing a far more vocal leadership style while steering Slovenia through the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament.
Speaking to SportKlub, Prepelič credited the Los Angeles Lakers guard for consistently staying available to coaches, energizing younger players and talking “significantly more” than in previous national-team runs. He linked Dončić’s new approach to the responsibilities that await him in Los Angeles after the 26-year-old signed a three-year contract extension earlier this offseason.
“He’s open, positive and always looking to lift a teammate,” Prepelič said, adding that Dončić’s on-court intelligence makes his feedback especially valuable.
Face of the Lakers
Dončić, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a surprising mid-season trade, is now positioned as the franchise cornerstone in Los Angeles. He signaled that commitment by arriving to training camp in the best physical condition of his career following an extensive offseason conditioning program.
Team leadership, however, remains one of the key expectations. Lakers executives have publicly pointed to Dončić’s ability to guide a roster that features a blend of veterans and developing talent. The guard’s ongoing experience at EuroBasket is viewed internally as valuable preparation for that role.
Gratitude Toward L.A.
After finalizing his extension, Dončić thanked controlling owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss, head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka for welcoming him “with open arms.” He reiterated that sentiment during Slovenia’s camp, describing his transition to the Lakers as smooth despite the unexpected nature of the February trade.
For now, Dončić’s focus remains on pushing Slovenia to a EuroBasket medal. The national team prepared with an Aug. 8, 2025 exhibition win over Germany in Ljubljana, where Dončić’s energy and expanded voice were on display from pregame warmups through the final buzzer.
Source: Lakers Nation
