Luka Dončić expressed nervousness about hosting a mini-camp for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates in his home country of Slovenia, a unique initiative for the superstar. With nine new players on the roster and the weight of the franchise's legacy on his shoulders, Dončić stepped outside his comfort zone to bring the team together.
The decision to host the camp in Slovenia was deeply personal for Dončić. He wanted to be present for his two young daughters, Gabriela and Olivia, who he shares custody with his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, and who reside in Slovenia. "Obviously, I was with my daughters," Dončić stated at Lakers media day. "So we decided that we would bring the team to Slovenia. It was an amazing trip."
Beyond family considerations, the mini-camp offered a valuable opportunity for Dončić's teammates to gain a deeper understanding of his culture and personal background. "It was very important for me to show them where I’m from, and I think everybody liked it," Dončić said. "We had some great time. Just, you know, it was very nice that all of them came, which I know it’s not easy. But that just showed what kind of group we are."
Teammate Austin Reaves recounted the experience with a lighthearted tone, noting that the team engaged in various activities like rowing, golf, and bowling. Reaves humorously remarked, "Luka tried to put on a blue shirt when his rowing team lost, which is crazy. But he did host us, so we let him hold the first place trophy for once."
The international trip and Dončić's hospitality are expected to accelerate the Lakers' bonding process as they face the challenge of integrating numerous new players. Developing trust and familiarity quickly will be crucial for their competitiveness in the upcoming Western Conference season. Dončić, who is stepping into a larger leadership role following LeBron James' departure, expressed his readiness for the challenge. "I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me," he said. "But I feel great. I feel excited. And like I said, I’m ready to go."
Dončić also confirmed that he is entering training camp healthy and without restrictions, having recovered from a strained hamstring that sidelined him for the entirety of last postseason. "I’m feeling great," he added. "I feel rested. Mentally I feel great, so I can’t wait just to start."