Lakers Gather in Slovenia Under Doncic's Banner
For four days in late August, Ljubljana became the center of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason preparations. Luka Doncic hosted nearly the entire roster for a minicamp in his home country, an event that ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported ran from August 20-24. Doncic chartered a flight and covered transportation and accommodations for his teammates, according to multiple sources. The camp blended two-hour practices at Stožice Arena under assistant coach Greg St. Jean with golf outings, kayaking at Lake Bled, fishing, group dinners, and a boat ride along Ljubljana's canals, as documented by Doncic's Instagram post: "Day 3 🚣♂️⛳️🇸🇮."
The only player missing from the team photo was rookie Cameron Carr, who was attending the NBA's mandatory rookie orientation. Sandro Mamukelashvili was in Slovenia but not in the initial photo. Bronny James, despite trade rumors following his father LeBron's move to the Philadelphia 76ers, was present and appears to be staying with the Lakers, as Heavy. reported.
The trip comes amid a significant roster overhaul. The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade and Jaden Hardy from the Washington Wizards, while signing free agents Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Kevon Looney, and Ziaire Williams. Doncic, speaking to Golf Channel's Rich Lerner, expressed optimism: "I think we have a really good team..."
The gathering also showcased Doncic's evolving role within the franchise. In the first summer without LeBron James, the minicamp was seen as an early demonstration of Doncic's leadership. Heavy. noted that Doncic debuted a slimmer physique and longer hair, wearing a white headband. His conditioning overhaul, detailed in a Men's Health cover story, includes a gluten-free, low-sugar diet with at least 250 grams of protein daily and intermittent fasting, plus two 90-minute workouts per day.
A Fan's Leap Steals the Show
The most memorable moment came during a boat ride along a Ljubljana canal. As the Lakers' boat passed, a young fan wearing a Doncic jersey jumped into the water to retrieve a shirt thrown from the boat, reportedly by Jarred Vanderbilt. Doncic, watching from the boat, appeared dumbfounded. The New York Post described the fan as "crazed" and willing to "throw caution to the wind." While the Ljubljanica river is deemed clean and safe for boating, swimming is advised against, making the fan's dive all the more surprising.
The incident became a viral highlight, underscoring the intense devotion Doncic commands in his homeland.
Doncic's Absence Strains Slovenian National Team
The Lakers' presence in Slovenia created an awkward juxtaposition. At the same time Doncic was bonding with his NBA teammates, the Slovenian national team was preparing for World Cup qualifying without him. Slovenia lost 85-78 to Montenegro, a result that left the team with a 3-3 record in Group L, tied with Estonia and Sweden. Only the top three teams qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
Veteran center Alen Omic addressed Doncic's absence with a mix of understanding and frustration. "No, he did not speak. He has his obligations. We leave him alone, he leaves us alone. Let him sort out what he needs to do," Omic said. "I hope this all ends as soon as possible, so that he can come help the national team. But we need everyone; it's not just about him."
Doncic has explained that his absence stems from a custody dispute with his former fiancée, Anamaria Goltes. "I love my daughters more than anything, they are always first in my life," he said. "While I am fighting for joint custody of my daughters, I was forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and spending time with my daughters this summer." Goltes has sought to withdraw her California child support petition, per Heavy.
Slovenian Basketball Federation president Matej Erjavec confirmed that Doncic wanted to play home games but was prevented by legal obligations. Erjavec and Doncic's father, Sasa, planned to travel to Los Angeles in November to meet Lakers officials, aiming to establish a relationship similar to the one Doncic had with the Dallas Mavericks.
The minicamp itself, however, was also a gesture toward Slovenia. Doncic covered expenses for 14 teammates and organized a private trip, including a Porsche Driving Experience in October, per Essentially Sports. He also visited an outdoor court bearing his No. 77 logo, a symbol of his enduring connection to the country.
What the Minicamp Means for the Lakers
Beyond the viral moments, the minicamp served a strategic purpose. ESPN's Tim MacMahon warned that teams would be interested in Doncic if the Lakers fail to win a championship in the next two years, adding urgency to building chemistry. The Lakers reached the Western Conference semifinals last season despite Doncic's Grade 2 hamstring strain, and he finished fourth in MVP voting. Doncic averaged an NBA-leading 33.5 points per game last season, and he signed a three-year extension with a player option for 2028-29.
The trip also highlighted Doncic's relationship with Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been the subject of trade rumors. Lake Show Life noted that Doncic and Vanderbilt were frequently seen together, from golf to riding in a car. The outlet argued that keeping Vanderbilt, despite his "negative-value contract," might be wise given Doncic's apparent comfort with him. Vanderbilt's defensive impact—the Lakers were 1.4 points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor—and the team's need for wing defense after losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura were cited as reasons to retain him.
As the Lakers prepare for the 2026-27 season, the Slovenia minicamp has already achieved its goal of bringing the team together, even as it cast a spotlight on the delicate balance between Doncic's NBA commitments and his homeland's basketball ambitions.