The Los Angeles Lakers are in the early stages of preparing for the upcoming NBA season, but worries are already emerging about Luka Doncic’s firm commitment to playing for Slovenia during the off-season. This devotion has amplified fears among Lakers fans and team executives that Doncic may face recurring injury risks every summer, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the grueling NBA calendar.
The 26-year-old star recently alarmed supporters during a EuroBasket 2025 warm-up match against Latvia when he collided with a teammate and briefly went down, though the injury was later confirmed as minor. Still, the incident emphasized what insiders now describe as a new reality for the Lakers era defined by Doncic’s extensive international involvement.
How Doncic’s International Role Differs from Past Lakers Greats
International competitions are familiar territory for NBA superstars, but Luka Doncic’s case stands out due to the volume and frequency of his commitments. Andy Kamenetzky, host of ESPN L.A.’s Lakers Talk, pointed out that Doncic’s dedication to Slovenia means that Lakers supporters should brace themselves for regular injury scares during summer tournaments.
This is the first of many potential scares that could take place during EuroBasket, and it is a reminder of what Lakers fans are going to have to get used to during the Luka era, or the Lakers, because we are not used to a superstar Laker playing for his country non NBA basketball as often as Luka will,
Kamenetzky explained.
He compared Doncic’s international schedule with Lakers icons such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, who represented the United States primarily in the Olympics, an event held once every four years. Conversely, Doncic participates not only in the Olympics but also in the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket tournaments, cumulatively escalating his playing load during the offseason.
While former Lakers star Pau Gasol proudly represented Spain while playing for Los Angeles, Kamenetzky emphasized that Gasol’s role was never as pivotal to the Lakers roster as Doncic’s is expected to be. This critical role raises the stakes for general manager Rob Pelinka and the franchise when considering Doncic’s durability and long-term fitness amid such a demanding schedule.
The Personal Significance Behind Doncic’s Dedication to Slovenia
For Luka Doncic, playing for Slovenia represents more than just basketball; it is an emotional and cultural commitment that holds deep personal meaning. Slovenian teammate Klemen Prepelic shed light on the extent of this attachment, explaining how much representing their country matters.
A lot. I mean, just the fact that last year he played the NBA finals, he lost. He was like a mummy,
Prepelic recalled.
And he come next day to national team. This is. Next day. This is unbelievable, I mean, I believe also in this great chemistry. The group of guys makes him feel good to come to joke, to have a good time.
—Klemen Prepelic, Slovenian Teammate
Beyond the bonding and support from his teammates, representing Slovenia provides Doncic with a valuable mental break from the intense scrutiny that accompanies his NBA stardom. It also allows him to serve as a key ambassador, helping to promote basketball’s growth and popularity in his homeland, a cause he approaches with considerable pride.
Balancing International Duty and Lakers’ Health Priorities
Despite the mounting concerns in Los Angeles about injury risks, Luka Doncic shows no signs of reducing his involvement with Slovenia’s national team. His determination to compete internationally remains steadfast, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond personal gain.
For the Lakers, the primary challenge lies in managing this balance—honoring their superstar’s loyalty to his home country while safeguarding his health to ensure he remains a dominant force throughout the demanding NBA seasons. How the franchise navigates this delicate situation will have significant implications for their future success and Doncic’s career longevity.