Luka Dončić, fresh off a new contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, has rejoined the Slovenian national team and is set to play in Slovenia’s first friendly against world champion Germany on Friday in Ljubljana. The exhibition marks the start of the team’s EuroBasket 2025 preparation phase.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I will play the entire match,” Dončić said, via Ekipa24. “It all depends on the game and other things. Now, for the first time in the preparation period, I played five-on-five at the national team training. I feel good.”
While still adjusting to the time change after arriving from the United States after his three-city Jordan Brand Tour, Dončić noted that Slovenia is training well and emphasized the importance of pacing himself during the early phase of the preparation process.
This friendly serves as a key opportunity to build chemistry within a reshaped Slovenian roster. Head coach Aleksander Sekulić acknowledged that Dončić’s presence brings both skill and leadership, while also stressing the need to integrate him within the group’s flow.
“The players are eager to have him,” Sekulić said. “Every time he comes, he naturally has an impact on the team, both on and off the court, always in a positive way.”
Dončić arrived at camp visibly leaner and more physically prepared following a summer focused on recovery and a tailored training plan. He’s made it clear that while his leadership is important, the team’s success relies on collective voice.
“Our goal is always a medal. But I am not the only leader,” he emphasized. “I have the feeling that others also have a say. If you have only one leader on the team, you will not get anything done.”
Against Germany, Slovenia isn’t seeking immediate results on the scoreboard. Instead, the focus will be on re-establishing roles and evaluating progress through gameplay.
“You learn the most from matches when you watch videos and get a feel for the game,” Dončić said. “I like that we have a lot of matches. So we can see where we are.”
The exhibition, part of the team’s EuroBasket 2025 preparation phase, will tip off at 8:15 p.m. local time (Ljubljana) — which corresponds to 2:15 p.m. EST and 8:15 p.m. CEST.
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