The offseason is underway! Well, not officially, but with just 4 teams remaining in the playoffs. The rest have started to prepare for the next season. One of the teams already in full offseason mode is the Los Angeles Lakers. For LeBron James and Co., the summer started much earlier than expected. If you are not aware, the Lakers were sent packing by Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in just the first round of the playoffs. This early exit was humiliating for the Lakers because many tipped them to make a deep playoff run. However, they failed miserably. Nonetheless, this has given the team a chance to reflect and relax during the summer. However, not the same can be said for every player.
That’s because while the rest of the roster will likely enjoy a relaxing summer, Luka Doncic is expected to stay active. Yes, you hear us. Doncic is expected to lead his country in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament to be held late in August. The 26-year-old is gearing up for a major summer with Slovenia as they will take on the likes of France, Belgium, Iceland, Israel, and the hosts, Poland. While Doncic is yet to make an official announcement, Slovenia’s president of basketball, Matej Erjavec, has dropped a massive statement. “Erjavec said he doesn’t even need to ask Luka if he will play in this year’s EuroBasket. That it’s obvious that he will always play (unless he’s injured).” That’s huge news for basketball fans!
Slovenia’s president of basketball seems pretty confident about Luka Doncic leading the country in this year’s European Championship. Moreover, not just this! Erjavec has even bigger plans for the superstar and Slovenian basketball in 2029. “The first option was that we organize qualifications for Olympic Games in Paris. I said straight away we ain’t got time for that. And then Luka said, ok, let’s do the EuroBasket 2029 then. We agreed and went into it.” Erjavec said after Slovenia was selected as one of the hosts for the next edition of the tournament. It seems that Luka Doncic is highly involved in the decision-making of the country’s basketball team after hearing this change. Which is fair, given he’s arguably the biggest star to come out of Slovenia.
Matej Erjavec, president of Slovenian basketball association after Slovenia was chosen as one of EuroBasket 2029 hosts:
“First option was that we organize qualifications for Olympic Games in Paris. I said straight away we ain’t got time for that. And then Luka said, ok, let’s do…
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) May 27, 2025
Keeping that in mind, Doncic will try to emulate his performances from 2017 when Doncic and Goran Dragic, led Slovenia to a gold medal in EuroBasket 2017. This summer could also be a huge one for the 26-year-old Lakers star. Not just because of him chasing glory, but also to ramp up his physical condition ahead of the upcoming campaign. We all know how big of a topic of conversation Doncic’s weight was throughout the season. Even Lakers HC JJ Redick emphasized that his side needs to be in better shape for championship contention. This has led to Doncic losing several pounds within less than a month of being eliminated from the postseason.
Speaking of which, Rob Pelinka has ensured that Luka Doncic remains focused on his goal even with the national team.
Rob Pelinka ensures Luka Doncic is committed to getting in shape even on national duty
“Everyone has to come back in champion shape.” These words are of Los Angeles Lakers head coach, JJ Redick. The Lakers’ rookie coach made it clear that to win a championship, his team would need to sweat more in the gym. While he did not take any names, many believed it was a subtle dig at LA’s point guard Luka Doncic. Ever since the 26-year-old superstar moved from Dallas to Los Angeles, his weight and conditioning have been the talk of the town. Well, Doncic has always been a bit out of shape, but that did not stop him from terrorizing the defense. However, during his shocking trade, he reportedly gained significant weight.
Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react after a basket against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
This was also one of the major reasons why the Mavericks traded him in the first place. Nonetheless, this conversation about his shape has gotten to the ears of the Lakers’ superstar, who has a point to prove in the upcoming season. In less than a month, Doncic has already lost several pounds and given fans flashbacks of his rookie days in Texas, in a recent appearance. It seems that his fiancée’s homemade healthy food and his effort in the gym are paying off. However, this immediate success should not get into his head. Rob Pelinka has ensured that a trainer will help Doncic throughout the EuroBasket tournament.
Rob Pelinka when he was asked from Slovenian National team about Luka playing this Summer:
“You’ll get Luka and one coach and that’s that”
It is not yet known which Lakers coach will join Slovenian National team. pic.twitter.com/d4Ogb80UQV
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) May 27, 2025
“You’ll get Luka and one coach, and that’s that,” said Pelinka. The Lakers’ president is taking all necessary steps to ensure that Luka Doncic does not go off track during the summer. This is a huge offseason for not just the franchise but for Doncic. The next season will be his first full campaign with the Lakers, and expectations are higher than ever. The 26-year-old point guard understands what’s at stake and is ready to work for it. So, it will be worth watching how he performs for his country, as he also aims to get into shape before the Lakers camp starts.
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