Luka Doncic stole the EuroBasket headlines by averaging 34.7 points per game and earning a place on the tournament All Star Five, a stretch of dominance that had scouts and executives taking notes. The tournament saw him log 243 points in 233 minutes and push Slovenia to the quarterfinals against the eventual champion, Germany, all after a summer where he trimmed down and changed his training and diet. However, even more impressive was the defensive input, the energy, and the consistent leadership he showed throughout the tournament.

Los Angeles made its support clear in person and in policy as Pelinka Jeanie Buss and other Lakers officials flew to Katowice to watch him, and the team quietly folded staff into Slovenia’s operation to help Doncic compete. Rob Pelinka told ESPN that Luka’s s

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