After the shocking Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers found themselves in a complicated situation. But while some around the league might think they have two timelines, one with Luka and one with LeBron James, the former has a clear goal. Some might say they have plenty of time to build around the Slovenian star, but he knows that championships are the clear goal.
Luka Doncic Sets a Clear Goal for Next Season
Luka is starting his FIBA EuroBasket 2025 journey today. He was interviewed by CBS Los Angeles before the tournament, talking about his goals with the national team and the Lakers. Asked about how playing for the national team helps him become a better player and prepare for the upcoming season, he said:
“I always play for my country whenever I can. It is an honor for me. I try to bring medals to the country. But just get ready for the season.”
Doncic has already won a gold medal with Slovenia at EuroBasket 2017. That year, the team went undefeated, 9-0 en route to the gold medal. He also helped the Slovenian national team make it to the Semifinals at the 2020 Summer Olympics. However, they failed to earn a medal, losing to Australia in the bronze medal game. From there, the conversation shifted to what he wants to bring to the Lakers and how LeBron can help with that. Luka clearly said:
“Championship. That is our goal. That should always be the goal. Our goal is championships. Of course, he is one of the best basketball players ever. So just for having him there. It is going to help all of us. Not just me, but all the players. He is going to help us win. Because he knows what to do to win.”
Lakers fans are hoping James and Doncic develop even better chemistry this year. With a full training camp to prepare, they can find ways to punish defenses. This is not the first time Luka Doncic talked about bringing a championship to the Lakers. But he now showed real commitment to the goal, helping the team recruit quality role players and getting in shape.
FIBA Luka is a Scary Thought for the League
This summer, Luka proved his commitment to improving his game. After getting in shape, he is now competing with the national team. What teams around the league should fear is that after playing with the Slovenian national team, Luka comes back re-energized.
Two of his best seasons in the NBA have come after a FIBA tournament. In 2022, Slovenia competed at the EuroBasket and lost to Poland in the quarterfinals. However, Doncic returned to the NBA and averaged 30+ points for the first time in his career. Then, in 2023, after competing at the World Cup, he came back and had his best season.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Luka made it to the top three in MVP voting, led the league in scoring at 33.9 points per game, shot a career best 38.2% from three-point range, and helped the Mavs make the NBA Finals. There, they lost to the Boston Celtics. But it is clear that Luka plays better after a summer with the national team.
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