Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka were amongst a contingent of staff from the Los Angeles Lakers who flew to Poland this week to watch Luka Doncic play for Slovenia in EuroBasket.
“Zero problems,” Pelinka said. “I mean, it’s just something that we believe in for the Lakers organization.”
Doncic had an injury scare in one of the lead-in games.
“We just wanted to make a statement to Luka that we support what he does for his country. That’s really important to the Lakers when we have a player that’s the face of our franchise, just to show that support for him,” Pelinka said. “And it’s just great to see him with his teammates, interacting, having fun. As you said, he is in great shape, really committed to working hard this summer, and to be able to watch that in person was worth flying over the ocean to come be with him.”
Doncic reaffirmed his long-term commitment to playing for Slovenia in the offseason.
“It’s an easy choice,” he said. “I always want to represent my country. Always did. No matter what. Obviously, if I’m injured, I’m not gonna play, but if I have nothing, I will always play.”
Doncic said the Lakers' support in watching him in person was something he appreciates.
“It means a lot,” he said. “It’s a long flight. I think it’s like 11, 12 hours, so it means a lot for them just to be here to support me.”
