Los Angeles Lakers executives flew more than 6,000 miles to Katowice, Poland, in late August to show Luka Dončić their full support as the 26-year-old guard prepared to represent Slovenia at EuroBasket. Over lunch with team governor Jeanie Buss and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, the recent trade acquisition saw the organization align with his priorities—even shelving Pelinka’s intermittent-fasting routine while Dončić broke his 16-hour food window.
Building trust abroad
Dončić, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension on Aug. 2, became the focus of a coordinated Lakers effort during the tournament. Pelinka, director of player performance and health Dr. Leroy Sims, Dončić’s business manager Lara Beth Seager, and physiotherapist Javy Barrio exchanged messages before and after every game, offering assistance “whenever we can help,” according to a source close to the player.
Dr. Sims, advisors Kurt and Linda Rambis, and assistant coach Greg St. Jean all traveled with Slovenia, while the Lakers made their equipment manager available when gear was needed. St. Jean joined Slovenia’s staff for 40 days, providing video edits that highlighted Dončić’s defensive engagement—an area long viewed as a weakness.
Tournament dominance
The investment coincided with one of Dončić’s most productive stretches. He averaged 34.7 points, the highest EuroBasket mark since 1989, and was named to the All-Star Five. His 243 points exceeded his 233 minutes on court, and he posted 40.5 points per game in two knockout contests. Slovenia exited in the quarterfinals, falling 99-91 to eventual champion Germany after leading for 26 of 40 minutes.
Lakers staff noted improved quickness, lift and conditioning compared with the season’s second half, when a calf strain limited the guard. Even a right knee contusion suffered Aug. 16 against Latvia did not alter the team’s view. “There’s risk in anything,” Pelinka said, insisting he would still endorse international play because competitive environments “animate” Dončić.
Preparing for camp
Training camp opens later this month with Dončić expected to line up alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The roster sits at 14 players, including expiring contracts for Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). Los Angeles can attach a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick and is willing to absorb contracts extending beyond 2026, sources said.
Pelinka called having both Dončić and James “an important moment,” adding that the club will explore “smart ways” to chase an 18th championship this season. A source close to Dončić said the guard “stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship” and trusts the front office to fulfill its part.
For the Lakers, the summer of hands-on support in Europe set the tone for an era they hope lasts well beyond James’ tenure—and confirmed that building around Dončić starts now.
Source: ESPN
