Things haven’t been easy for the L.A. Lakers since their first-round NBA playoff exit. The team’s performance, roster depth, and ongoing title drought have all come under scrutiny. However, there has been a man that everyone is talking about.
Luka Doncic has been the center of attention this summer, with conversations swirling around his fitness, his future, and his relationship with the Lakers. For this kind of reason, speculations have started to rise regarding the future of the Slovenian star inside the gold and purple franchise.
Right now, Luka Doncic’s name is making headlines regarding his performance with Los Angeles, as the atmosphere surrounding the Lakers’ star has shifted both inside the organization and among the fan base. Adding to the speculation, a former Dallas Mavericks General Manager has now weighed in, offering fresh insight into Doncic’s situation.
Insight from former Mavericks General Manager on Doncic
Luka Doncic indeed displayed his best performances in the NBA while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. With the Texas franchise, the Slovenian star collected numerous accolades that established him as one of the league’s most prestigious players, including the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year award and five All-Star selections.
That successful chapter came to an end in February 2025, when Doni was traded to the Lakers after seven seasons with the Mavericks. That is why if someone knows him better is Donnie Nelson, the former GM of the Dallas team, who was in charge of the team when Doncic arrived in Dallas.
In an interview with Slovenia’s Daily Sport, Ekipa, Nelson addressed Doni’s situation directly. He said, “Luka would die for his country. It’s different… Playing for the national team doesn’t bring money, but it’s the most important thing,” he said.
“The Beatles were right: money can’t buy love. You can’t put into words the passion Luka has when playing for the national team,” Donnie Nelson concluded, making it clear that Doncic’s top priority isn’t playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luka Doni and his former Mavericks GM reunited once again.
The relationship between Luka Doni and Donnie Nelson has always been strong, with both playing pivotal roles in shaping each other’s NBA journeys. Now, their paths have crossed once again, as Nelson has joined the Slovenian national basketball team as a special adviser for the upcoming season.
It’s worth noting that Nelson is no stranger to European basketball, having previously served as an assistant coach with Lithuania’s national team. Now, in Slovenia, Donnie, the former GM of the Dallas Mavericks, has agreed to talk with Doncic about establishing their international objectives.
There have been no concrete updates regarding Luka Doni’s future with the Lakers, but speculation continues to swirl., with reports suggesting the Denver Nuggets may be positioning themselves to pursue Doncic and potentially form a formidable Slovenian duo alongside Nikola Joki.
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