For a brief, anxious moment on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the hopes of both Team Slovenia and the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to hang in the balance. Luka Doncic, Slovenia’s superstar guard and a newly minted cornerstone for the Lakers, crumpled to the court in visible pain after colliding with a teammate during a friendly against Latvia. The incident, which occurred in the third quarter in Riga, sent shockwaves through the basketball world and left fans on both continents holding their breath. But as the dust settled, the news turned out to be far less dire than initially feared.
Doncic had been putting on a show before the injury, tallying an impressive 26 points and dishing out five assists in just the first half. His performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the brightest stars in the NBA and a beacon of hope for Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign. Yet, when he left the game after banging knees with a teammate, concern quickly replaced excitement. Slovenia, already struggling in their pre-tournament friendlies, went on to lose the game 100-88 to a Kristaps Porzingis-led Latvian squad.
Initial fears of a major setback, however, were quickly allayed. The Slovenian basketball federation moved swiftly to provide updates, announcing through their official X (formerly Twitter) account that Doncic had suffered only a knee contusion—a bruise rather than any structural damage. “After the match in Riga, the team will continue preparations for EuroBasket on Monday – already on Tuesday, a clash with Great Britain awaits us at Arena Stožice,” the federation posted. “The team will also be joined in training by captain Luka Doncic, who fortunately finished the game against Latvia without injury.”
NBA insider Marc Stein echoed the federation’s cautious optimism, noting, “Luka Dončić is scheduled to be back at practice Monday, Slovenia’s basketball federation (@kzs_si) has announced, with his official status still TBD for Tuesday’s @EuroBasket warmup game at home against Great Britain.” The message was clear: while Doncic’s participation in the upcoming friendly was not yet guaranteed, his return to training was a positive sign for both Slovenia and Lakers fans alike.
This reassurance was sorely needed. Doncic’s presence is not just a tactical advantage for Slovenia—it’s a morale boost. His commitment to representing his country at EuroBasket 2025, despite the ever-present risk of injury, has drawn admiration from fans and teammates. Yet, the incident reignited the ongoing debate about NBA stars playing high-stakes summer tournaments. With Doncic having recently signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers, the stakes for his health have never been higher. For Slovenia, he remains their best shot at a deep EuroBasket run. For Los Angeles, he’s the linchpin in their quest to return to championship contention.
Slovenia’s road to EuroBasket glory, however, has been anything but smooth. The team has struggled to notch a win in their pre-tournament friendlies, and the loss to Latvia was particularly galling. Slovenia took an early lead, only to see Porzingis and company storm back for a decisive victory. Both Doncic and coach Aleksander Sekulic voiced frustration with the officiating, feeling that the referees favored the home side. Even Porzingis, the Latvian star and Doncic’s former Dallas Mavericks teammate, reportedly apologized for the questionable calls. The sense of injustice only added to Slovenia’s woes as they search for form ahead of the main event.
Despite these setbacks, there’s reason for optimism. Doncic arrived at Slovenia’s training camp in noticeably better condition than at the end of last season. Observers have remarked on his improved mobility and defensive effort—areas that have sometimes drawn criticism in the past. His ability to cut off passing lanes and force turnovers was on full display against Latvia, even as the team ultimately fell short.
Slovenia’s schedule remains packed as EuroBasket approaches. Following Monday’s return to practice for Doncic, the team will face Great Britain on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Arena Stožice. The status of Doncic for that friendly is still to be determined, with the coaching staff understandably cautious about rushing him back. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Slovenia will take on Serbia in their final warm-up game before the main tournament. That matchup promises fireworks, with Serbia led by none other than three-time NBA MVP and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
All eyes will then turn to Thursday, August 28, 2025, when Slovenia opens its EuroBasket campaign against Poland. The game is set to tip off at 11:30 a.m. PT, and anticipation is building. For Slovenia, the tournament represents a chance to shake off a rocky preseason and make a statement on the continental stage. For Doncic, it’s another opportunity to showcase his leadership and skill—qualities that have made him a fan favorite both at home and abroad.
Of course, the shadow of injury risk still looms. The debate over whether NBA stars should participate in summer competitions is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Yet, Doncic’s determination to play for Slovenia, even after a scare like Saturday’s, speaks volumes about his character and commitment. As fans, we can only hope that his health holds up and that Slovenia finds its rhythm in the crucial weeks ahead.
For now, though, the sighs of relief are audible from Ljubljana to Los Angeles. Luka Doncic’s knee contusion appears to be a minor setback, and his return to practice signals that both Slovenia’s EuroBasket dreams and the Lakers’ season plans remain intact. The coming days will reveal just how quickly he can return to full strength—and whether Slovenia can turn preseason frustration into tournament success.
With EuroBasket 2025 just around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But with Doncic back in the fold and Slovenia’s eyes firmly on the prize, anything feels possible. The journey continues, and the basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
