Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka and team governor Jeanie Buss traveled to Katowice, Poland, this week to personally back Luka Doncic as the star guard begins FIBA EuroBasket 2025 with the Slovenian national team.
Slovenia opens group play against Poland on Thursday morning at Spodek Arena. Doncic, who signed a contract extension with the Lakers earlier this offseason, arrives at the tournament noticeably leaner after an extensive summer conditioning program.
Organization stands behind international play
Pelinka said the Lakers have “zero problems” with Doncic suiting up for his country, emphasizing that representing Slovenia carries significant meaning for the 26-year-old. “We just wanted to make a statement to Luka that we support what he does for his country,” Pelinka told The Athletic while attending a Slovenian practice session on August 27. “That’s really important to the Lakers when we have a player that’s the face of our franchise—just to show that support for him.”
The front-office executive added that witnessing Doncic interact with national teammates validated the long trip overseas. “To be able to watch that in person was worth flying over the ocean to come be with him,” he said.
Minor injury scare, major expectations
Doncic briefly left a recent exhibition after appearing to hurt his knee, but the incident proved minor. Still, the moment underlined the inherent risk NBA clubs assume when stars participate in international competition. Despite Slovenia losing all but one preseason friendly, expectations remain high as the nation chases its first EuroBasket medal since winning gold in 2017.
For Doncic, national pride remains paramount. “Playing for my country is an honor for me,” he said earlier this month. “I try to bring medals to the country while getting ready for the [NBA] season.”
The Lakers’ visible support reinforces a long-held franchise philosophy of maintaining strong relationships with marquee players, a stance the club hopes will help Doncic feel fully at home in Los Angeles as the 2025-26 NBA campaign approaches.
Source: Lakers Nation
