Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has officially confirmed his participation with the Slovenian national basketball team for EuroBasket 2025, a decision that has sparked excitement among fans both in Europe and in the NBA community. The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 14, with group stage games for Slovenia set in Katowice, Poland.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Lakers’ early playoff exit, which has given Dončić the rare opportunity to dedicate his summer to international play. Despite being the centerpiece of the Lakers’ rebuilding plans, the 26-year-old superstar has remained firm in his dedication to his homeland. In fact, sources close to the team have revealed that Dončić had informed Slovenian head coach Aleksander Sekulić of his availability months in advance.
“Luka always emphasized, he was always crystal clear about it. Namely, that he is ready to help the national team, as long as he is healthy,” Sekulić said in a recent interview.
Dončić will be joined by his personal strength coach Anže Maček and physiotherapist Javier Barrio Calvo throughout the national team campaign, a clear sign of how seriously he is taking his preparation. With a demanding NBA season behind him and questions about player fatigue often swirling around international commitments, Dončić’s decision highlights his unwavering passion for Slovenian basketball.
This year’s EuroBasket represents a significant opportunity for redemption. Slovenia, the 2017 EuroBasket champions, are aiming to reclaim continental glory after a disappointing quarterfinal finish in the 2022 edition. Dončić, who was just 18 when he helped lead Slovenia to its historic 2017 victory alongside Goran Dragić, now steps into the leadership role as the team’s undisputed star and emotional engine.
Slovenia has been drawn into Group A, alongside basketball heavyweights France, Poland, Israel, Belgium, and Iceland. The group stage will be no easy task, but with Dončić at the helm, Slovenia will enter every matchup as a serious threat. Friendly matches have been scheduled against Germany (August 10 in Mannheim) and Latvia (August 16 in Riga), giving the team crucial preparation time before the tournament officially tips off.
Back in Los Angeles, the Lakers front office is said to be supportive of Dončić’s international ambitions. While there had been quiet concern among some fans about injury risk and offseason wear-and-tear, team insiders believe this experience could sharpen Dončić’s form and leadership even further heading into the 2025–26 NBA season.
As the Lakers continue to build around their European superstar, his summer run with Slovenia may serve as a springboard—not just for national pride, but also for the next chapter of his already-storied basketball journey.
With Dončić’s blend of talent, maturity, and loyalty, Slovenia’s EuroBasket hopes are very much alive—and so is the anticipation of what this summer of hoops could mean for his NBA future.
