Los Angeles Lakers celebrity guard Luka Doncic is at the moment with the Slovenia nationwide crew because it prepares for this yr’s FIBA EuroBasket event. On Saturday, Slovenia confronted off in opposition to Latvia for one in all its warm-up video games.
Sadly for Slovenia, and positively for Lakers followers, issues did not go in accordance with plan. Halfway by the third quarter, Doncic was injured as one in all his teammates fell into him. Doncic was capable of go away the courtroom on his personal and later returned to the crew’s bench.
In accordance with The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Doncic was lucky and prevented a serious harm. Nonetheless, the stress that second prompted for the Lakers entrance workplace, his teammates and followers around the globe was palpable.
Doncic not too long ago signed a three-year, $160M contract extension with the Lakers. They’ve spent this summer season constructing out a roster that fits his type of play.
Probably dropping Doncic to a world warmup recreation would have been a tricky blow for the Lakers.
Season-altering accidents have occurred throughout worldwide play earlier than. Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL throughout a World Cup Qualifier whereas taking part in for Italy, simply weeks after signing with the Boston Celtics in 2022. Los Angeles will undoubtedly need to keep away from an identical destiny.
Whereas Doncic seems to have escaped harm on this occasion, it might be smart for Slovenia to take some further precautions with the star all through the remainder of the warmup schedule. In any case, he’s unlikely to show down an opportunity to characterize his nation, however he additionally has a dedication to the Lakers.
As increasingly European skills make their strategy to the NBA, there could have to be some tips in how each groups and nations method these warmup video games shifting ahead.
