Los Angeles Lakers famous person guard Luka Doncic is presently with the Slovenia nationwide group because it prepares for this 12 months’s FIBA EuroBasket event. On Saturday, Slovenia confronted off in opposition to Latvia for one in every of its warm-up video games.
Sadly for Slovenia, and definitely for Lakers followers, issues did not go in response to plan. Halfway by means of the third quarter, Doncic was injured as one in every of his teammates fell into him. Doncic was in a position to go away the courtroom on his personal and later returned to the group’s bench.
In keeping with The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Doncic was lucky and prevented a serious harm. Nonetheless, the stress that second brought on for the Lakers entrance workplace, his teammates and followers world wide was palpable.
Doncic not too long ago signed a three-year, $160M contract extension with the Lakers. They’ve spent this summer time constructing out a roster that fits his type of play.
Doubtlessly dropping Doncic to a global warmup sport 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 analogous destiny.
Whereas Doncic seems to have escaped harm on this occasion, it might be sensible for Slovenia to take some additional precautions with the star all through the remainder of the warmup schedule. In spite of everything, he’s unlikely to show down an opportunity to signify his nation, however he additionally has a dedication to the Lakers.
As increasingly more European abilities make their technique to the NBA, there might have to be some tips in how each groups and international locations strategy these warmup video games transferring ahead.
