Lakers’ Luka Dončić Updates on Injury After Slovenia Win
The Los Angeles Lakers can exhale once more.
Franchise star Luka Dončić survived another injury scare during the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, then powered Slovenia into the quarterfinals with a vintage scoring outburst.
Dončić appeared to tweak his leg in the opening period of Slovenia’s gritty 84-77 victory over Italy on Saturday. He erupted for 22 points in the first quarter alone before limping off the court and heading to the locker room, sparking immediate concern for both Slovenia and the Lakers.
The 26-year-old returned shortly after and played the rest of the game, brushing aside the incident in postgame interviews.
“Yeah,” Dončić told BasketNews when asked if he was fine after the game. But he admitted the leg “hurts” and said he would undergo treatment. “I have to go get therapies now. But it will be fine.”
Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulić downplayed the situation with a lighthearted explanation.
“He told me that he needs to go to the toilet. Maybe there was another reason, but that’s what he told me,” Sekulić said in the press conference.
Another Offensive Masterpiece
Despite the scare, Dončić once again shouldered the offensive load, finishing with 42 points on 11-of-19 shooting. He hit 5 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc and was nearly flawless from the line, converting 15 of 16 free throws. He added 10 rebounds, three steals, and an assist in another all-around performance.
The victory set up a high-profile quarterfinal showdown with Germany, considered one of the tournament favorites following early exits by traditional powers France and Serbia.
Dončić continues to lead EuroBasket in scoring, averaging 34.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 3.2 steals per game.
Lakers Dodging Bullets
This was not the first time the Lakers have held their breath this summer. In a pre-tournament warmup win over Latvia last month, Dončić briefly left the floor after teammate Gregor Hrovat accidentally landed on his right knee. He returned quickly, downplaying the injury just as he did against Italy.
For a franchise built around his long-term health, Dončić’s resilience has been a source of relief.
The Transformation Behind the Durability
Part of Dončić’s ability to bounce back may be linked to the best physical condition of his career. According to Slovenian Pop TV, he shed 31 pounds over the offseason through a disciplined new regimen.
The Lakers star outlined his program in Men’s Health, describing an intermittent fasting regimen of 16 hours a day, six days a week, since the end of last season. From 8:30 p.m. until noon, he consumes no calories, often pushing through his first workout before breaking the fast.
His diet is gluten-free, low in sugar, and heavy in protein — at least 250 grams daily — complemented by an almond milk–based shake. He has also incorporated more plant-based foods and granted himself a rare month away from basketball to recharge mentally and physically.
Lingering Question
Dončić has vowed to continue the program into the upcoming NBA season, confident it will make him leaner, faster, and more durable than the version that averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 28 games for the Lakers last year.
For now, his summer focus remains on Slovenia’s EuroBasket campaign. His transformation is already showing dividends, as his dominant play and ability to brush off injuries have carried Slovenia into the tournament’s final eight.
The question lingering for both Slovenia and the Lakers: can Dončić stay upright through the grind of a deep international run and another demanding NBA season?
Red Sox’ Aroldis Chapman on 3rd-longest streak of hitless domination since 1901
Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has been unstoppable on the mound against the Diamondbacks. His dominance is giving the Red Sox a crucial edge as the postseason race heats up. Aroldis Chapman’s hitless streak has now reached 17 straight appearances without allowing a hit. This marks one of the most remarkable pitching runs in recent MLB history.
Chapman’s hitless streak has also stretched to 14⅔ innings, dating back to July 26, and it now ranks as the third-longest since 1901. Only Randy Choate’s 20 straight appearances in 2011 and Tim Byrdak’s 18 consecutive outings in 2012 stand ahead of him.
As a result, Aroldis Chapman’s resurgence has been vital for the Red Sox bullpen. His command and velocity have returned to elite form, and his presence has transformed the dynamic of late-inning situations. Because of this, Boston can now rely on him to shut down opposing lineups when it matters most. Against teams like the Diamondbacks and other playoff contenders, his consistency has given the Red Sox the upper hand in tight games.
Furthermore, this run highlights Chapman’s ability to adapt. Known throughout his career for overpowering hitters, he has now added sharper pitch sequencing and better movement to his arsenal. Consequently, hitters are struggling to pick up his slider after seeing a triple-digit fastball, creating a nearly unhittable combination. With each outing, his confidence grows, and so does the team’s trust in him to deliver in critical spots.
Ultimately, the Red Sox remain locked in a fierce battle for postseason positioning, and Chapman’s dominance has provided a much-needed boost. If he maintains this pace, his historic run could play a pivotal role in Boston’s playoff push. For now, every appearance by Chapman feels like must-watch baseball. The only question left: how long can Aroldis Chapman keep this hitless streak alive and cement his place in MLB history?
And more importantly, can the Red Sox ride his dominance all the way into the postseason?
