Luka Doncic Grateful for Lakers’ Presence and Fan Backing During EuroBasket 2025
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic said the organization’s show of support at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 made his transition from the Dallas Mavericks to the storied franchise easier.
Speaking with ESPN, the 26-year-old star noted that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka, senior basketball advisers Kurt and Linda Rambis, and team physician Dr. Judy Seto traveled to Poland to watch Slovenia’s run to the quarterfinals. “The support from the Lakers organization and Laker Nation was amazing,” Doncic told the network, adding that he noticed fans in Los Angeles tuning in and cheering for Slovenia throughout the tournament.
Doncic’s appreciation underscores how quickly the five-time All-NBA guard has embraced his new surroundings after an offseason trade that ended his tenure in Dallas. He said the personal attention from top executives and the volume of messages from fans helped him feel “loved and appreciated” in purple and gold.
Pelinka explained that allowing Doncic to represent Slovenia was an easy decision. The executive said the Lakers view international play as a valuable experience and believe Doncic’s standout performances overseas will benefit the club when NBA training camp begins.
EuroBasket 2025 marked Doncic’s first major tournament as a Laker. Slovenia advanced to the quarterfinals before falling short of a medal, but the guard averaged more than 30 points per game and solidified his status as one of the event’s headline players.
The Lakers have long promoted a player-first culture, and Doncic indicated that the organization’s willingness to cross the Atlantic reinforced that reputation. “It meant so much to me,” he said of the trip by club officials. “I could feel the Lakers family behind me the whole time.”
Source: Lakers Nation
