Overview

• Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said Luka Dončić showed a more demonstrative, vocal leadership tone with Slovenia that he expects to carry into training camp.
• Dončić averaged a tournament-high 34.7 points per game at EuroBasket 2025 after arriving in improved shape following his summer regimen.
• Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean, who worked with Slovenia, considered Dončić the team’s best defender during the tournament.
• Scottie Pippen expressed doubt that Dončić’s ball-dominant style will deliver a championship in Los Angeles, referencing Dallas’ 2024 Finals run and limited support beyond Kyrie Irving.
• Questions persist about whether Los Angeles has enough perimeter defense even as the franchise positions Dončić as its unquestioned centerpiece.