Los Angeles Lakers celebrity guard Luka Doncic is currently with the Slovenia national team because it prepares for this 12 months’s FIBA EuroBasket match. On Saturday, Slovenia confronted off in opposition to Latvia for one in every of its warm-up video games.
Sadly for Slovenia, and positively for Lakers followers, issues did not go in accordance with plan. Halfway by way of the third quarter, Doncic was injured as one in every of his teammates fell into him. Doncic was in a position to go away the courtroom on his personal and later returned to the staff’s bench.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Doncic was lucky and prevented a significant harm. Nonetheless, the strain that second induced for the Lakers entrance workplace, his teammates and followers world wide was palpable.
Doncic not too long ago signed a three-year, $160M contract extension with the Lakers. They’ve spent this summer season constructing out a roster that fits his model of play.
Probably shedding Doncic to a world warmup recreation would have been a tricky blow for the Lakers.
Season-altering accidents have occurred throughout worldwide play earlier than. Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL throughout a World Cup Qualifier whereas taking part in for Italy, simply weeks after signing with the Boston Celtics in 2022. Los Angeles will undoubtedly need to keep away from the same destiny.
Whereas Doncic seems to have escaped harm on this occasion, it might be smart for Slovenia to take some additional precautions with the star all through the remainder of the warmup schedule. In any case, he’s unlikely to show down an opportunity to symbolize his nation, however he additionally has a dedication to the Lakers.
As increasingly European abilities make their method to the NBA, there might should be some tips in how each groups and international locations method these warmup video games shifting ahead.
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