Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic confirmed that the organization has cleared him to represent Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, saying the club “really support me and encourage me to the maximum,” according to Slovenian outlet Ekipa.
The 26-year-old guard intends to join a growing list of NBA standouts who will take the floor for their national teams in next summer’s continental championship, including Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Alperen Sengun (Turkey), Franz Wagner (Germany) and Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia).
NBA franchises sometimes hesitate to release top players for offseason international duty because of injury concerns, but the Lakers have chosen to back their franchise cornerstone. The show of support comes less than a year after Doncic signed a long-term contract extension with Los Angeles.
Medal ambitions
Doncic, who prides himself on competing for his country, stated that his goal is to guide Slovenia to the podium. The task is expected to be challenging, with traditional powers such as Serbia, France and Greece among the early favorites.
Imagem: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images via lakersnation.com
EuroBasket 2025 is scheduled to tip off next September, just weeks before NBA training camps open. Despite the tight calendar, Doncic said the Lakers’ endorsement underscores the club’s commitment to its players’ personal and national aspirations.
Source: Lakers Nation
