Luka Dončić has his mind set on representing Slovenia at EuroBasket, and the Los Angeles Lakers are right there backing him up. As LeBron James looks closer to retirement, Dončić, the 2018 No. 3 overall draft pick, steps in as the Lakers’ new centerpiece, with the franchise betting big on their star guard for the future.
How Are Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka Supporting Luka Dončić During EuroBasket?
Dončić, a proud Slovenian native, is taking a break from NBA action to suit up for his country at EuroBasket before jumping into the 2025-26 campaign. One of the NBA’s brightest stars, Dončić, will be a focal point in the FIBA tournament.
Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss are visiting Luka Doncic and the Slovenia NT in their final practice before their #EuroBasket opener 🙌🇸🇮 pic.twitter.com/fkXXP16cHR
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 27, 2025
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka traveled to Poland to show their support. The group posed together at Slovenia’s final practice ahead of the season opener against Poland, doubling down on their commitment to Dončić.
Pelinka made it clear how much the franchise values Dončić. “We just wanted to make a statement to Luka that we support what he does for his country. 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,” Pelinka said. “And it’s just great to see him with his teammates, interacting, having fun. As you said, he is in great shape, really committed to working hard this summer, and to be able to watch that in person was worth flying over the ocean to come be with him.”
Dončić, meanwhile, has stayed locked in on what matters to him: basketball and representing Slovenia. As soon as the NBA season gets going, the Lakers will be gunning for another championship with Dončić leading the way.
Why Does Pelinka Call Dončić’s Contract Extension a Monumental Win for the Lakers?
In August, the Lakers and Dončić agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension. While some fans had questions, plenty celebrated the deal for the young superstar. Many see Dončić as the future of the franchise.
Pelinka didn’t hold back his excitement after the extension went through: “Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Dončić’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare,” Pelinka said via NBA insider Michael Scotto.
Pelinka also talked about the instant connection with Dončić, explaining how the partnership gives the Lakers hope to keep chasing championships.
Slovenia’s EuroBasket opener against Poland is set for August 28 at 2:30 p.m. ET, with fans eager to see Dončić in action before the NBA season picks up again.
