By Dave McMenamin
In late August, during a significant meeting in Katowice, Poland, Los Angeles Lakers officials, including Governor Jeanie Buss and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, shared a meal with Luka Doncic. This lengthy lunch underscored the Lakers` commitment: if it mattered to Doncic, it mattered to them, temporarily setting aside his strict intermittent fasting regimen for the occasion.
The 26-year-old superstar, now noticeably leaner and fitter after months of rigorous training and dietary control – including a daily 16-hour fasting period – was gearing up to represent Slovenia in EuroBasket. This competition, held just a month before the NBA training camp, would be the ultimate proving ground for his physical transformation.
The Lakers’ explicit support for his participation in EuroBasket was meant to send an undeniable message.
Rob Pelinka emphasized Doncic’s profound pride in his heritage and commitment to playing for his homeland. He stated that the Lakers prioritize understanding and supporting their players` personal passions, making their decision to back Doncic`s EuroBasket involvement straightforward.
This EuroBasket endeavor wasn`t just about fostering trust with a player who had recently signed a three-year, $165 million extension on August 2nd. It also provided the Lakers with a crucial chance to align effectively with their new superstar, a strategic opportunity they lacked following the unexpected February trade that brought him from the Dallas Mavericks.
A dedicated group chat facilitated communication before and after each game, involving Pelinka, Dr. Leroy Sims (Lakers’ Director of Player Performance and Health), Lara Beth Seager (Doncic’s chief brand officer), and Javy Barrio (Doncic’s physiotherapist).
According to a source close to Doncic, the Lakers` core message to his team was consistently one of unwavering support: “Whatever assistance you need, we are here.”
Dr. Sims, along with veteran Lakers figures Kurt and Linda Rambis, traveled to Poland. Additionally, Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean served as an assistant on Slovenia`s staff for 40 days throughout the tournament, which included games across Slovenia, Germany, Poland, and Latvia. Sources also indicated that the Lakers extended their support by offering their equipment manager as a resource to Slovenia whenever gear was required.
Doncic`s fervent desire to represent his country, coupled with his public commitment to a significant physical transformation, demonstrated a new level of personal accountability and control over his career, particularly after the trade that moved him from Dallas.
The Lakers understood that validating their faith and appreciation for Doncic necessitated a proportional level of investment.
They anticipate this investment will yield rewards not only during LeBron James’ remaining years with the team but also far into the future, as Doncic is envisioned to be the franchise`s cornerstone.
With the Lakers’ full backing, Doncic delivered a dominant performance at EuroBasket.
He earned a spot on the tournament`s All-Star Five, scoring an impressive 34.7 points per game. This marked the highest scoring average in a single EuroBasket since Nikos Galis achieved 35.6 points for Greece in 1989.
Remarkably, Doncic accumulated more points (243) than minutes played (233) and significantly raised his performance in the elimination rounds, averaging 40.5 points in two critical do-or-die contests.
Even in Slovenia`s 99-91 quarterfinal defeat to Germany, the eventual champions, Doncic’s squad held the lead for 26 out of 40 minutes. Prior to their match against Slovenia, Germany had only trailed for a total of 18 minutes across its preceding six tournament games.
According to team sources, the Lakers’ coaching staff was particularly impressed by Doncic`s improved mobility, a stark contrast to his performance in the latter half of the previous season when he was hampered by a persistent calf strain. This enhanced agility was evident in his rapid ability to penetrate double-teams and his increased vertical leap.
His defensive efforts also notably improved, addressing a long-standing weakness on an otherwise Hall of Fame-caliber resume.
Sources revealed that during the tournament, St. Jean compiled a video highlighting Doncic’s defensive prowess for Slovenia’s coach, Aleksander Sekulić. St. Jean argued that Doncic, in addition to his offensive genius, was also the team`s top defender. The video meticulously illustrated Doncic’s precise positioning, effective communication, and overall defensive dedication on a play-by-play basis.
Pelinka also observed this growth, recognizing it as a significant development in Doncic`s leadership capabilities.
Pelinka expressed strong support for players competing during the offseason, stating, “From a leadership perspective, I endorse players engaging in offseason basketball.” He noted that the prevailing focus in offseason training, particularly in the US, often centers on individual skill development, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of a team-oriented environment.
Pelinka’s endorsement of Doncic’s EuroBasket involvement was part of a careful cost-benefit analysis. While acknowledging the increased injury risk from additional play, a concern that materialized when Doncic sustained a right knee contusion after a teammate fell on his leg against Latvia on August 16th, Pelinka affirmed he would still make the same decision.
He argued, “Every endeavor carries risk. Excessive individual training also poses risks, potentially leading to muscle or joint fatigue. Luka approaches his development as a basketball player with remarkable thoughtfulness. It`s clear that he performs at his peak when immersed in a competitive setting; that`s truly what ignites his passion.”
As training camp approaches later this month, both Doncic and the Lakers view his successful EuroBasket summer as an ideal prelude to the upcoming season.
Doncic had guided a Slovenian team, comprised mostly of players described by a league source as being below NCAA Division I talent, to the quarterfinals of a highly competitive international tournament. This performance raises an exciting question: what can he achieve in a full NBA season alongside teammates like LeBron James and Austin Reaves?
Although the summer solidified mutual commitment between Doncic and the Lakers, the forthcoming season will undoubtedly present fresh challenges for both sides to navigate their aspirations.
Historically, Doncic has faced difficulties in sustaining optimal health habits throughout the demanding 82-game NBA season, extensive travel, and the intense pressures of both victories and defeats. For Pelinka and the Lakers, arranging international travel is simpler than orchestrating a significant trade to enhance their star-studded roster and identify suitable trade assets.
Nevertheless, the summer’s collaborative efforts have established a solid groundwork, preparing them for any future obstacles they may encounter.
Doncic expressed that the entire experience fostered a stronger sense of connection to Los Angeles.
He remarked, “The backing from both the Lakers organization and Laker Nation was truly incredible. It deeply resonated with me that Rob, Jeanie, Kurt, Linda, and Dr. Sims traveled to Poland, and that Lakers fans were actively following EuroBasket and supporting Slovenia.”
Doncic`s outstanding performance served as a clear signal to the Lakers: the time to build around Luka is now, without waiting for the conclusion of the LeBron era.
Pelinka asserted that Doncic`s EuroBasket showing unequivocally cemented his status among the elite, if not *the* elite, players globally. He elaborated on team building, emphasizing the immediate relevance of “optionality.” Pelinka noted that having both Doncic, arguably the world`s best player, and LeBron James, who remains an all-time great even at his age, provides significant strategic flexibility for the franchise.
The Lakers will commence training camp with 14 players, featuring Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) on expiring deals. They possess the flexibility to include a 2031 or 2032 first-round draft pick in future trades. With Doncic secured on a long-term contract, sources confirmed the Lakers are now amenable to acquiring players whose contracts extend past 2026.
Pelinka stated, “We will pursue any intelligent strategies that further our championship ambitions for the upcoming season.” He underscored the significance of having both players on the roster next year and reiterated the organization`s unwavering commitment to securing the franchise`s 18th championship.
Following a summer characterized by mutual investment toward this shared objective, a strong sense of alignment clearly prevails.
A close associate of Doncic confirmed, “He constantly emphasizes his championship goal. He has confidence in the front office to fulfill their responsibilities and believes in the team they are constructing.”
