Lakers Star Luka Dončić Delivers Big Answer After Injury Scare

Luka Dončić erased any lingering concerns about his recent knee scare by leading Slovenia to a 93-81 rout of Great Britain on Aug. 19, marking their first win in warmup games ahead of the 2024 EuroBasket.

The Los Angeles Lakers star scored 28 points in 28 minutes, adding 10 assists and eight rebounds, showcasing that he was fully cleared to play after suffering a knee contusion in Slovenia’s loss to Latvia over the weekend.

On Saturday, Dončić had limped off the court after teammate Gregor Hrovat inadvertently landed on his right knee. He immediately grabbed the joint, motioned to be subbed out, and left for the locker room with a trainer.

But Dončić returned shortly thereafter to the bench and rejoined Slovenia’s practice on Monday, demonstrating both resilience and determination.

Tuesday’s performance against Great Britain left little doubt about his health.

Dončić exploded for 21 points in the first 11 minutes, pushing Slovenia to an early double-digit lead that eventually swelled to as much as 20 points in the second half.

With his conditioning fully intact, the Lakers star will now turn his attention to facing his friend and fellow NBA superstar Nikola Jokić when Slovenia plays Serbia in their final EuroBasket tune-up on Thursday. Slovenia opens its EuroBasket campaign against Poland on Aug. 28.

Luka’s First Lakers Training Camp

Greg St. Jean, the Lakers assistant who also serves on Slovenia’s coaching staff, expressed optimism about Doncic’s conditioning and what it could mean for the Lakers next season.

“The idea of Luka having an opportunity to play in training camp with us is going to be critical, and getting this team to build their chemistry and work together,” St. Jean told BasketNews. “This season, we’re poised and excited to have a training camp together. LeBron [James] and Luka being able to spend more time together, we think, will be really positive for both of them and obviously our team.”

Beyond Luka-LeBron chemistry, St. Jean is also eager to integrate the Lakers’ new personnel.

“We’re excited about all of our new additions,” he said. “Our team is still improving. The goal for us is obviously to have great depth and be able to have a lot of versatility.”

Great Depth and Versatility

The Lakers bolstered their roster by adding former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, and 23-year-old wing Jake LaRavia. Ayton addresses the team’s most glaring weakness at center, while Smart and LaRavia provide perimeter defense, veteran leadership, and youthful energy.

“I think we’ve done that,” St. Jean said of the Lakers’ improved depth and versatility. “We’ve had a lot of versatile players who have played in big playoff moments. Then we’ve added some young players who are hungry and excited. It’s more about a collection of players than any individual addition. But we’ve done a great job, and we’re excited about our new guys.”

With Dončić fully healthy and ready to hit the court, the Lakers are poised to blend superstar talent with depth, experience, and versatility—setting the stage for a redemption season following their first-round flameout last season.