Los Angeles Lakers famous person guard Luka Doncic is currently with the Slovenia national team because it prepares for this 12 months’s FIBA EuroBasket match. On Saturday, Slovenia confronted off towards Latvia for one in all its warm-up video games.
Sadly for Slovenia, and definitely for Lakers followers, issues did not go based on plan. Halfway via the third quarter, Doncic was injured as one in all his teammates fell into him. Doncic was capable of go away the court docket on his personal and later returned to the crew’s bench.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Doncic was lucky and prevented a significant damage. Nonetheless, the stress that second precipitated for the Lakers entrance workplace, his teammates and followers world wide was palpable.
Doncic lately signed a three-year, $160M contract extension with the Lakers. They’ve spent this summer time constructing out a roster that fits his fashion of play.
Doubtlessly shedding Doncic to a world 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 enjoying for Italy, simply weeks after signing with the Boston Celtics in 2022. Los Angeles will undoubtedly need to keep away from the same destiny.
Whereas Doncic seems to have escaped damage on this occasion, it might be smart for Slovenia to take some additional precautions with the star all through the remainder of the warmup schedule. In any case, he’s unlikely to show down an opportunity to symbolize his nation, however he additionally has a dedication to the Lakers.
As increasingly European abilities make their option to the NBA, there could must be some pointers in how each groups and international locations method these warmup video games transferring ahead.
