Luka Dončić is doing his best to prove his upcoming season with the Lakers will be different. While most stars across the league are enjoying their offseason, many international players have chosen to represent their countries in FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
Dončić is doing the same, suiting up for Slovenia. After watching his performance against Latvia, even in a loss, fans believe Dončić will accomplish much next season for the Lakers.
Luka Dončić Records Stunning Stat Line in Two Quarters vs. Latvia
Latvia won the game 100-88, but some argued the outcome could have been different if Dončić had played the full contest. Early in the third quarter, he sustained a knee injury after inadvertently colliding with a teammate. He exited and did not return.
Still, Dončić put on a show. By halftime, the Lakers star had 26 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in 17 minutes of action.
Had he maintained that pace, Dončić could have finished with a 40-point performance. Fans who watched took to social media with bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season: “2026 MVP.”
2026 MVP
— Anthony Colangelo (@anthonycolange) August 16, 2025
Luka playing defense…
— Forever Laker24 (@Forever_Laker24) August 16, 2025
Love the defensive play!
— hollywoodhamilton (@Hollywoodham824) August 16, 2025
Mf draining logo shots in the 1st minute of the game
Nico might have created the greatest basketball player of all time with his betrayal
— Michelangelo (@GO4TK1NG) August 16, 2025
Many fans also noted his improvement on defense and praised his leadership with Slovenia. A highlight reel from the first quarter, in which Dončić scored 15 points, was enough to convince fans he will reach another level with the Lakers.
Luka is cooking early today with 15 points in the first quarter against Latvia.
(via @KLChouinard) pic.twitter.com/KIczsRqjKC
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 16, 2025
No matter how deep Luka Dončić takes Slovenia in EuroBasket, his main priority remains the Lakers. He came close to a championship in 2024, reaching the NBA Finals.
As one of the league’s stars, if Dončić falls short again of a title, critics will argue that he can put up big numbers but cannot deliver when the stakes are highest. Last season, after arriving in Los Angeles through a blockbuster trade, he was unable to carry the Lakers far in the playoffs, though fans largely excused it because he was coming off injury.
Capturing an NBA championship with the Lakers this season would put that criticism to rest. With roster upgrades over the offseason, Dončić enjoying his first full summer with the team, and LeBron James still in place, the Lakers have a shot at their first title since 2020.
