In a recent EuroBasket preparation game, Luka Doncic displayed his competitive spirit when he became visibly upset with teammate Gregor Hrovat during Slovenia’s matchup against Serbia. The game, which ended in a disappointing 106-72 loss for Slovenia, highlighted the intensity and pressure the All-Star guard feels as he represents his national team.
Doncic’s frustration boiled over after a heated exchange on the bench, signaling his commitment to winning and the high expectations he has for himself and his teammates. Despite the moment of tension, both players quickly reconciled, recognizing the importance of maintaining focus as Slovenia prepares for the upcoming tournament.
In the game against Serbia, Doncic had a challenging night, scoring 17 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists. He struggled with his shooting, turning the ball over three times, which contributed to Slovenia’s inability to compete with the powerhouse Serbian team led by MVP Nikola Jokic, who finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
However, Doncic bounced back in the following game against Great Britain, where he showcased his scoring ability by netting 28 points. He was particularly impressive from the free-throw line, going a perfect 10-for-10, which reassured fans after concerns about a knee injury that had surfaced just days earlier.
As Doncic prepares for the upcoming NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team’s opening night is set for October 21 against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers will be featured on national television 34 times during the season and will also host the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, marking their 27th consecutive appearance on the holiday.
In addition to the regular season, the Lakers will compete in the West Group B of the 2025 NBA Cup, with group play commencing on October 31 against the Memphis Grizzlies. As Doncic continues to develop as a leader for the Lakers, fans are eager to see how he will perform in the new season following his impressive international play and the challenges he faced during EuroBasket.