Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic’s offseason physical transformation is already paying dividends, with the Slovenian national team reaping the rewards of a slimmer and more agile version of the point guard.
Two of Doncic’s Slovenian teammates, Edo Muric and Aleksej Nikolic, gave insight into how the Lakers star has improved as a basketball player with his new physique.
“Yeah, he’s faster and jumps more,” Muric told BasketNews after an exhibition game against Lithuania. “And this year, I expect him to be the best version of himself.”
“It’s super hard [to defend him],” added Slovenian guard Aleksej Nikolic.
‘Lot Better Shape’
Nikolic, who played with Doncic in the last two EuroBaskets, Tokyo Olympics and FIBA World Cup 2023, went onto make a tall claim about his teammate.
“I mean, everybody’s talking about his fitness. Of course, he said that he’s in a lot better shape. And I mean, he’s just being him. Not too many, let’s say, differences about that,” Nikolic said about the Lakers star.
Meanwhile, Muric spoke about Doncic embracing a more leadership role since the start of the 2025 EuroBasket exhibition games, and how that could translate to the NBA.
“Yes, every year he’s more vocal and vocal,” Muric stressed. “This is what we need from him. He’s our leader, and this needs to be done on the court and off the court. That’s why I say he’s maturing; he knows what he’s talking about, and it’s really a pleasure to follow him.”
“He’s more experienced, maturing, he understands the game better and better every year,” continued Muric, who has been with the Slovenian national team since 2011. “So, I think that he showed everyone that he’s one of the best players, and I think that he still belongs there. I can’t wait for us to be all together and to enjoy our game.”
Luka Doncic Survives Injury Scare
Lakers fans likely went into panic mode when Doncic suffered an injury scare in the exhibition game against Latvia over the weekend. However, fortunately, the Lakers guard escaped serious injury, per multiple insiders.
Doncic suffered the scare after lighting up Latvia’s defense with 26 points (5-of-11 3PT) within the first half, along with four rebounds, five assists and two steals. He also scored 19 points, three rebounds and five assists in an earlier game against Germany.
However, fortunately for Slovenia, Doncic has been cleared to play against Great Britain on Tuesday, August 19, per The Basketball Federation of Slovenia.
âTomorrow our team faces Great Britain at Arena Stožice. Our captain Luka DonÄiÄ will be in action,â the federation posted on X, alongside a photo of the Lakers star.
Slovenia will play its final EuroBakset friendly against Serbia on August 21. Doncic and Co. will begin their campaign against Poland on August 29, before a clash against a Victor Wembanyama-less France team on August 30. The country will play three more round-robin games against Belgium and Slovenia (twice) before the knockout stages.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Luka Doncic’s Teammates Turn Heads with Claims on Lakers Star appeared first on Heavy Sports.