Luka Dončić is embracing his role with the Los Angeles Lakers as he heads into his first full season with the franchise, following his Feb. 2 trade from the Dallas Mavericks in a move that instantly elevated him into a leading figure for L.A. With the start of the 2025-26 season months away, he’s currently in Poland starring for the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket.
Dončić told KCAL News Sports Central that playing for his country is an honor and that he’s focused on bringing medals to Slovenia while he also prepares for the Lakers season. In a show of support, Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka joined the federation’s visits to Poland, meeting with Dončić during his final practice before EuroBasket.
The superstar recently weathered an injury scare after a Slovenian teammate fell on his right knee during an exhibition against Latvia. He was diagnosed with a minor contusion and cleared to play, with no structural damage reported. The Lakers’ front office has underscored its support for Dončić, emphasizing a strong, collaborative relationship with Slovenian leadership. “Zero problems,” Pelinka remarked, highlighting the alignment between the Lakers and Slovenian basketball authorities. Part of that collaboration includes Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean serving on the Slovenian coaching staff.
Even as he trains with Slovenia, Dončić remains actively tied to the Lakers organization. He signed a three-year maximum extension worth $165 million in early August, affirming his status as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. After a press conference in Los Angeles, he joined Lakers players and executives in Las Vegas for a Backstreet Boys concert, underscoring the off-season activity surrounding the team.
Dončić has repeatedly expressed his championship aspirations for the Lakers, telling reporters that his goal is simple: win, and be his best every day. In addition to his basketball duties, he has recently secured a high-profile partnership with the video game Overwatch. The NBA star will be featured in Season 18, with exclusive rewards and custom Stadium builds tied to his likeness. A joint Instagram post with the game’s character Cassidy (formerly McCree) highlighted the collaboration, and Dončić noted he expects to resume playing more regularly after wrapping up duties with the Slovenian squad. He previously hit the Top 500 milestone in the tank role in 2024, and while overseas he said his current ranking sits in the 400s, planning to start playing more consistently once he’s back in Los Angeles.
What this means for the Lakers: Dončić’s guaranteed status as the franchise’s focal point, combined with his ongoing commitment to both his club and his national team, sets the stage for a high-profile season. His presence should help stabilize the Lakers’ offense and provide a marketable, global storyline as the team builds around him.
Key takeaways
– Dončić is preparing for his first full Lakers season after the Feb. 2 trade from Dallas and has cemented himself as the Lakers’ face of the franchise.
– He is currently in Poland with Slovenia for EuroBasket, with Lakers leadership visiting him during final practice.
– An injury scare to his knee was ruled a minor contusion with no structural damage.
– Pelinka and Buss publicly support Dončić’s dual commitments to the Lakers and Slovenia, reinforcing a collaborative relationship.
– Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers and remains active in offseason events, including a Las Vegas trip with the team.
– His partnership with Overwatch adds a new dimension to his global profile, with Season 18 featuring exclusive rewards and Stadium builds.
Bottom line: Dončić’s blend of on-court ambition and off-court prominence positions him to drive the Lakers through a critical season, while continuing to honor his international duties and expanding his brand beyond basketball. A hopeful outlook remains as he collaborates with Lakers leadership and Slovenian basketball officials to maximize both his career and the team’s potential.