Luka Doncic Set for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025 as Lakers Provide Personal Conditioning Coach
Luka Doncic Suits Up for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025
Luka Doncic has been cleared to play for the Slovenian national team at next year’s EuroBasket 2025, giving basketball fans plenty to look forward to as the tournament returns. The news came straight from Matej Erjavec, the head of Slovenia’s Basketball Association, and has already sparked chatter about how the Los Angeles Lakers are helping out their star guard.
This isn’t just a regular international call-up. The Lakers have made it official: they’ll be sending a dedicated conditioning coach with Doncic to work alongside Slovenia’s staff while he competes. The goal? To make sure he’s in top shape, keeps injuries at bay, and recovers well between games. That’s serious attention to detail, especially when you consider the high-level competition at EuroBasket and the packed NBA schedule that follows.
Slovenia’s group is looking tough this year. Doncic and his teammates are in Group D, facing off against Poland, France, Belgium, Iceland, and Israel. Only the top four will move forward to the knockout stage in Riga, Latvia, so every team session will count. Preparation will be split between individual workouts in Madrid – where Doncic trains during the summers – and the official national team camp, so expect plenty of reports about his form leading up to the event.
Lakers’ New Approach Compared to Mavericks Days
The Lakers’ cooperation stands out because it’s a clear change from what Doncic experienced with the Dallas Mavericks. Back then, there were rumors the Mavs were a bit frustrated with the way he handled his off-seasons, especially when it came to fitness and routines. Now with the Lakers, there’s a real partnership with the national federation to ensure their star keeps the same standards he does in LA – and it’s not just about basketball skills. It’s about keeping his body ready.
When Erjavec met with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, both sides knew exactly what they wanted. The deal was wrapped up in minutes. “You will get Luka and one coach – and that’s it,” Pelinka told Erjavec. Arrangements like this aren’t unheard of; they did something similar when Pau Gasol was playing for Spain while still under contract with the Lakers, so they already knew how to make it work.
There’s also a strong family connection. Sasa Doncic – Luka’s father and Slovenia’s sports director – played a big role in making the negotiations smooth. With his dad helping pull the strings behind the scenes, it’s clear this summer will be about blending family, national pride, and pro-level fitness planning.
The Lakers have even gone so far as to use LeBron James as an example for Doncic, showing him what’s possible when a superstar takes training and discipline seriously, especially during the off-season. They’re hoping that, with this kind of support structure, Doncic can be at his peak for both Slovenia and LA – keeping fans, coaches, and both teams happy while setting a new standard for NBA stars playing internationally.