Luka Doncic will host his new Lakers teammates for a four day minicamp in Slovenia this August, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The entire roster, including two way contract players, plans to make the trip. As a result, the gathering becomes the first team event that Doncic has organized since LeBron James left the franchise this summer.
Luka Doncic Slovenia Trip Marks New Era for Lakers
James informed the Lakers in June that he intended to leave after eight seasons, and he later signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Consequently, Doncic now stands as the unquestioned face of the franchise heading into training camp. Furthermore, this shift places significant pressure on the six time All NBA First Team guard, who previously shared the spotlight with James and Austin Reaves in an entertaining trio.
Doncic is coming off a season in which he averaged a league leading 33.5 points per game and drew serious MVP consideration. However, a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in early April ended his year prematurely. Because of the injury, Doncic missed the Lakers’ final regular season games and their entire playoff run, which the Oklahoma City Thunder ended in a Western Conference Semifinals sweep.
Inside the Luka Doncic Slovenia Trip Itinerary
Beyond on court workouts, the itinerary includes golf outings and a tour of Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, according to reports. Additionally, the trip offers plenty of time for bonding among teammates who barely know each other. Several new faces, including Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes, joined the roster this offseason, so the early chemistry building matters.
Since the trip takes place before official training camp begins, Doncic will get an early chance to connect with newcomers and strengthen bonds with returning players like Reaves, who recently signed a new four year deal. Ultimately, this trip to Slovenia serves as the starting point for the new era that the Lakers have built around their franchise cornerstone.
