Luka Doncic is currently with the Slovenian national team as they get ready for EuroBasket.
On August 8, Doncic played his first game since the NBA Playoffs, finishing with 19 points. It was also his first appearance for Slovenia since moving from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was then rested for the second game against Germany on August 10, as Slovenia look ahead to their EuroBasket opener against Hungary on August 29. They will also face France, Israel, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in group play.
Luka Doncic’s growth noticed by teammates
The Slovenia’s national team gathering has given several of Luka Doncic’s international teammates their first chance to catch up with him since his move to the Lakers.
Klemen Prepelic, speaking to SportKlub, said he has noticed changes in Doncic since the move from Dallas, particularly in how he carries himself around the group.
The 32-year-old guard noted that Doncic appears more vocal and confident, qualities that seem to have grown since taking on a larger leadership role with the Lakers.
“Luka with his constant availability and commitment, shows an ideal attitude towards the national team, is open and positive. He knows how to cheer on young people. In addition, he has changed a bit. He talks significantly more than in the past,” Prepelic said.
“This is probably related to the challenge that awaits him at the LA Lakers, where he is becoming the first face of the franchise and a true leader.”
He added: “His basketball IQ is unimaginable. Whatever he says, he says in good faith, with enthusiasm and in the hope that his teammate will be better because of it.”
The transition from Dallas to Los Angeles seems to have played a part in this shift, according to Prepelic.
“You can see what his new team probably wants from him,” Prepelic explained. “He’s louder now. And it matters when he speaks up. That helps all of us.”
- READ MORE: Ice Cube picks Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo to join Luka Doncic at the LA Lakers
Prepelic hails Doncic as one of a kind
Luka Doncic has used the offseason to get into what many are calling the best shape of his career, and his progress has not gone unnoticed. Lakers legend Magic Johnson was among those to highlight the changes.
Doncic knows he cannot silence every critic, but back home in Slovenia, there is no doubt about how much he means to the national team, regardless of his physical condition.
Prepelic adds: “I have played with many masters of the game of basketball in my career. But Luka… Luka is Luka.
“I have probably never met a basketball player who would make his teammate’s job so much easier. And I hope that young people also perceive him in this way.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
