Los Angeles Lakers player Kevon Looney expressed surprise and admiration for Luka Dončić's leadership following a team trip to Slovenia, an initiative he had not encountered in his decade-long NBA career.
Looney, who joined the Lakers in July after spending his first 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors and winning three championships, described the experience as unique. "Man, I’ve been in the league for a while, and that [trip to Slovenia] was my first time doing something like that," Looney said in a recent interview with ESPN Radio’s “Mason & Ireland” podcast. "Going to somebody’s country, and bringing us out there, and spending that much time together. I never did that before."
Looney, who won three NBA championships with the Warriors under the leadership of Stephen Curry, noted that Dončić's effort to bring the team to his home country demonstrated his commitment to winning and building camaraderie.
"That just shows his character, shows that he really wants to win," Looney stated. "He wants the people to know his background and why he is how he is. And I think he did a good job of that."
The trip, which included playing basketball, also focused on off-court bonding. Looney felt Dončić made a significant impression through these efforts.
"He’s a great player and a great leader. He likes to show what he can do on the court, and then we got to see his personality off the court," Looney added. "So it was great. We’re going to follow him and run through a wall for him."