Luka Doncic Trades Memorabilia With Soccer Great Lukas Podolski in Poland
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Katowice, Poland — Sept. 2, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic capped Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2025 victory over Iceland by meeting longtime soccer star Lukas Podolski in the Spodek Arena corridor.
The two exchanged gifts moments after Slovenia’s Group D win. Doncic handed over a pair of game-worn sneakers, while Podolski offered one of his Górnik Zabrze jerseys. An arena video posted on social media captured the brief ceremony between the NBA All-Star and the 40-year-old striker.
Cross-sport admiration
Doncic, 26, is preparing for his first full season with the Lakers after joining the franchise last winter. His dominant EuroBasket form has drawn global attention, including that of Podolski, whose decorated soccer résumé features stints with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter Milan, along with Germany’s 2014 World Cup title.
Podolski remains active in Poland’s top division, while Doncic headlines a Lakers roster that still includes 40-year-old LeBron James. Earlier in the tournament, Doncic said James’s championship experience would continue to benefit Los Angeles as the club shifts its focus toward a younger core.
The brief locker-room meeting united two of their nations’ most recognizable athletes, underscoring mutual respect across sports and generations.
Source: Lakers Nation
