FIBA EuroBasket 2025 has officially begun and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is among the many NBA stars participating. Doncic is leading his home country of Slovenia while others such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alperen Sengun, Franz Wagner and Kristaps Porzingis will all be representing their countries in hopes of securing a medal.
There has long been questions about whether NBA teams should allow their stars to play in these tournaments as there is always the possibility they could pick up an injury. In fact, Luka himself nearly succumbed to this during Slovenia’s exhibition slate as a teammate fell into his knee. Thankfully, the Lakers star avoided any major injury and was back on the court in their next contest.
But for Doncic and many other international stars, representing their country in these tournaments isn’t an obligation, it is an honor and the Lakers star expressed that sentiment in an interview with Darren M. Haynes of Sports Central LA:
“I always play for my country. Playing for my country, whenever I can, playing for my country is an honor for me. I try to bring medals to the country. But you know , just getting ready for the season obviously.”
It is simply a different mindset for these international players. While many in America certainly have a lot of national pride and take honor in representing their country, there is just something different when it comes to these players like Doncic and Antetokounmpo where there just aren’t nearly as many athletes of this caliber to represent.
Of course there is injury risk, as Luka experienced, but there is risk in any activity and there have been plenty of players that have gotten hurt just doing regular workouts or scrimmages in the offseason. Playing for your country just means that much for Doncic and the Lakers are fully on board with his commitment to Slovenia. And taking part in EuroBasket should allow for him to hit the ground running once the Lakers training camp begins.
Charles Barkley believes Lakers are Luka Doncic’s team now
When it comes to the Lakers, Luka Doncic will be entering his first full season with the purple and gold alongside all-time great LeBron James. This offseason has brought about some questions, and many would say answers, about who is truly the face of the franchise and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley feels it is clear.
The legendary NBA analyst believes the Lakers are Doncic’s team now, noting that the Lakers don’t make the trade and give him the money they did without him being the face of the franchise.
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