Luka Doncic is away with the Slovenian national team preparing for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
The Slovenian national press hailed the return of Luka Doncic to the basketball court during their friendly defeat to Germany on August 8.
Doncic effortlessly scored 19 points, the most on the court, playing his first game since the NBA Playoffs, and the first for Slovenia since his trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers.
He was rested for Slovenia’s second friendly against Germany on August 10, with the coaching staff focusing on the upcoming EuroBasket tournament that begins at the end of the month.
This international meetup has provided a first chance for many of Luka Doncic’s international teammates to see him for the first time since the trade that rocked the NBA.
Veteran teammate Klemen Prepelic tells national outlet SportKlub that he has seen a difference in Doncic since he was traded to the LA Lakers.
Prepelic believes that Doncic’s leadership skills have grown, noting that he has noticed how he has become more vocal.
He says: “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. 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.
“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.”
Prepelic believes the intense demands of LA in comparison to Dallas has sparked the development in Doncic’s approach.
He said: “You can see the outlines of what his employer probably also requires. He is louder. Of course, his voice counts the most. And that is good for all of us.”
Luka Doncic has spent the offseason getting into the best shape of his career, and his transformation was praised by LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Doncic has admitted he cannot escape his critics, but in Slovenia, his presence is always appreciated, whatever his conditioning levels.
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.”
