Luka Doncic has never struggled to dominate headlines, but this summer at EuroBasket 2025 he is making noise for reasons that go well beyond his trademark scoring brilliance.
While Slovenia leans heavily on his shot-making and playmaking to stay afloat in the tournament, it is his improved defense and striking physical transformation that have drawn as much attention as his usual offensive fireworks.
And the implications stretch far beyond European basketball, sparking hope and curiosity about what this means for his future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Slovenia’s clash with France in Limassol on Friday offered another glimpse into Doncic’s evolving game. By the end of the third quarter he had 28 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, carrying his side against a talented French squad.
But the moment that resonated most came not from a step-back three or a flashy pass, but from a defensive stand that illustrated the fine line between FIBA and NBA officiating.
Late in the quarter, Doncic stayed glued to his man on a drive to the basket, keeping perfect positioning and contesting at the rim without surrendering space.
Only a light brush of the shooter’s palm drew a whistle. In the NBA, it would likely have been waved off as incidental contact.
“You know what? It was an elite defense,” one broadcaster said in real time. “Once you go for that block, well, let’s have a look here. Stats attack. It’s a foul. And I agree with you. The thing is, the NBA, that’s probably not going to be a foul. Probably could be. It’s a 50-50, but here in the international game. Now, Luka is trying to say to the referee, there was a kick-out.”
A leaner, sharper Doncic on the international stage
Part of what makes this EuroBasket run feel different is Doncic’s conditioning. Reports have circulated that he has dropped over 30 pounds since last season, and the difference is visible in his movement.
He is quicker laterally, more explosive in transition, and able to sustain defensive energy longer than in previous summers.
Against Poland earlier in the week, even in a disappointing loss, Doncic poured in 34 points with nine assists and five steals, looking lighter and sharper than he has in years.
Social media posts of his slimmer frame have gone viral, with fans and analysts alike noting that his commitment to fitness could unlock another level in his game.
Slovenia remains reliant on him for everything, but with a supporting cast that includes Klemen Prepelic and Edo Muric, Doncic has been forced to carry even more responsibility.
That burden could explain occasional frustrations with referees, though against France he showed composure, moving past the foul call and returning to work without the prolonged protests that have dogged him in past international play.
Why the Lakers should be paying close attention
For Los Angeles, watching Doncic’s summer is about more than box scores. The Lakers suffered a painful playoff exit in 2025, and questions swirled about whether Doncic’s conditioning and defense were holding them back.
EuroBasket has provided evidence that those criticisms are being addressed.
The broadcasters’ remark that “slapping the palm of a hand don’t get called in NBA” could not have been more relevant. Plays that punish him in FIBA competition will be legal stops back in the NBA.
If Doncic carries this defensive focus and improved fitness into the Lakers’ season, it could elevate both his impact and the team’s ceiling.
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