Luka Doncic was simply incredible during Slovenia’s unlikely run to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. The Los Angeles Lakers star led the entire tournament in points per game (34.7) and efficiency rating per game (36.6), while finishing second in assists (7.1).
The most impressive of these stats, though, might be his tournament-leading 2.7 steals per game. Doncic has never been known as a good defender. In fact, his defense is one of the main things the Dallas Mavericks cited when they dealt him to the Lakers at the trade deadline in February.
But the Lakers star slimmed down significantly over the summer, and it’s possible that has led to an increase in athleticism on both ends of the floor. That’s something the Lakers certainly noticed when watching Luka at EuroBasket, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
The Lakers’ coaching staff, team sources said, was impressed with how Doncic was moving compared with how he played in the second half of last season, when he was slowed because of a lingering calf strain. His improvement showed in Doncic’s quickness in splitting double-teams. It showed in his lift off the floor.
It even showed defensively, long a wart on what is already a Hall of Fame résumé.
At one point during the tournament, sources told ESPN, St. Jean showed a video edit of Doncic’s defensive effort to Slovenia’s coach, Aleksander Sekulić. St. Jean believed that Doncic, beyond his offensive brilliance, was the team’s best defensive player, too. The edit showed — possession by possession — Doncic’s proper placement, communication with teammates and overall commitment.
Doncic is never going to be an All-NBA Defense type player. However, the Mavericks have already proven that great defenses can be built around the Slovenian superstar. And part of that is because of his high IQ leading to great off-ball defensive instincts.
But if his newfound athleticism will allow him to do a better job jumping passing lanes and have continued stamina on both ends of the floor, the Lakers may have an easier time doing that same thing.
Luka Doncic’s performance convincing Lakers to invest more in roster
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka went into the summer of 2025 with a clear plan. They wanted to build a competitive team around Luka Doncic while maintaining flexibility to add star talent in one of the two future offseasons. It’s why only four of the 15 players on the roster have guaranteed deals beyond 2025-26.
It has been an eventful few months for Doncic since Pelinka ideated that plan, though. He slimmed down significantly, signed a three-year extension to stay with the Lakers and led Slovenia on an unexpected run to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Luka was by far the best overall player at one of the best international competitions.
Pelinka was a witness to Doncic’s entire summer, and it may have had an impact on how the Lakers choose to do business this upcoming season.
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