Luka Dončić has organized a team minicamp in Slovenia, bringing the Los Angeles Lakers together for basketball and team-building activities away from the franchise's ongoing ownership drama. The initiative comes as the Buss family is reportedly in a dispute over the remaining 17.8% stake in the team, following previous sales of the franchise within the last 10 months.
This minicamp marks a significant leadership step for Dončić, who became the official face of the Lakers franchise after LeBron James' departure in the summer of 2025. While James was on the squad, Dončić was viewed as the present and future, but his role has become undisputed since James moved on. Now, Dončić is expected to lead the team through successes and failures, a task that has become more challenging due to the current off-court issues.
Dončić has already influenced the team's roster construction. He advocated for keeping Austin Reaves, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract, and for acquiring center Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade deal that involved significant draft pick compensation. These moves demonstrate the organization's commitment to building around Dončić, even at the cost of future draft capital, as the Lakers have no tradable first-round picks through 2033.
The minicamp, which began Thursday, aims to refocus the players on their on-court cohesion and mutual support. The new ownership group, which includes former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner, and the ongoing investigation into former owner Mark Walter's financial dealings, are external factors that Dončić's initiative seeks to minimize. The team's locker room chemistry is seen as paramount, regardless of the outcome of the Buss family's ownership stake or Jeanie Buss's role as governor.
Dončić has previously organized team events, such as a Porsche Driving Experience in October 2025. However, this trip to his home country, where he is personally hosting his teammates, signifies a deeper level of commitment and personal connection. By greeting his teammates and sharing moments with his family, Dončić is providing a personal perspective that aims to strengthen bonds and remind everyone of what truly matters as they prepare for the upcoming season. The minicamp is intended to serve as a buffer against the external noise, emphasizing the importance of their connection on the court and potentially yielding positive results in the spring.