By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Formally opening the 2025-26 journey with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic shared his excitement about his first full campaign with the storied franchise.
“Preseason is very important to me, for the team. To try and get to know everybody, what everybody likes. In practice, we are allowed to make mistakes. That’s what practices are. I’m excited to get out there with everybody,” he said during the preseason media day on Monday.
“The more and more time that we’re together, the better we are going to be, just having it start from day one,” said LeBron James, responding to a question about starting the preseason with the 26-year-old Slovenian combo guard on board.
In an unexpected trade from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic was acquired in February. Reaching the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google met a disappointing exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
“I’m just excited to play for the Lakers. This is one of the best organizations in the world,” said Doncic, focusing on the 2025-26 challenge, “It’s a fresh start for me.”
Leadership role
Over recent weeks, the Ljubljana native was focused on the EuroBasket 2025 with the senior national team of Slovenia.
“Coming into a new team, it’s kind of hard to get the leadership up. That’s what the preseason is for. I had a great run with my national team. I kind of worked on that leadership role,” he talked about the impact of FIBA action on his NBA career.
“I would just say way less tired. Probably a little quicker because of that. Obviously, in Europe it’s a 40-minute game, in the NBA it’s 48. But we play a lot of games in not so many days, so I think fatigue is the biggest thing for me right now,” he also compared international and NBA schedules.
With head coach JJ Redick recently penning a contract extension, Doncic wished he could continue working under the 41-year-old play-caller until calling it a day.
“I think the stability is amazing. It was great to work with JJ. Hopefully, we work together till the end of my career,” he mentioned, “I just love him as my coach. He will tell you if you did something wrong or right. His approach to the game is unbelievable. So, I’m very excited he’s my coach.”
Maxi Kleber is cleared
German Maxi Kleber was moved to the Lakers in the same trade with Doncic, but he was limited by right foot surgery and ensuing rehabilitation.
“I feel fully recovered, fully healthy,” the 33-year-old forward set the tone for the next season.