TITLE: Franz Wagner Explains Why Defending Luka Doncic Requires an Entire Team
SLUG: franz-wagner-says-luka-doncic-demands-team-defense-eurobasket-2025
CONTENT:
As national teams gear up for FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Germany forward Franz Wagner offered a candid assessment of what makes Luka Doncic such a difficult assignment on the court. The Los Angeles Lakers star will lead Slovenia into the tournament, joining a field that also features Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
During a recent interview with FIBA Basketball, Wagner said Doncic’s offensive versatility forces opponents to commit all five defenders.
“You can’t guard him with one player,” Wagner explained. “You have to change the coverages and accept that he’s going to hit tough shots. The goal is just to make everything as hard as possible.”
Wagner and Germany faced Slovenia twice in exhibition play this month, preparing alongside former Lakers guard Dennis Schroder. Although Germany competes in Group B and Slovenia in Group D, a potential matchup could emerge in the knockout stage if both squads advance.
Doncic briefly sparked injury concerns when a teammate fell into his knee during an earlier tune-up against Latvia. Medical evaluations showed no serious damage, and he returned to action for subsequent friendlies versus Great Britain and Serbia.
Germany enters EuroBasket as one of the favorites after its strong showing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, while Slovenia relies heavily on Doncic’s playmaking and shot-making to contend for a medal.
Source: Lakers Nation
