Luka Doncic to host entire Lakers roster in Slovenia for minicamp

Luka Dončić’s leadership is on full display this summer.The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is hosting the entire roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August, according to a source close to Dončić.Over the four days, the squad will be working out, playing pick-up games, golfing, and exploring Ljubljana.“Luka’s extremely excited to be hosting them in his hometown and having time for the team to bond ahead of the season,” a source close to Dončić told the California Post.Ever since the Lakers traded for Dončić last February, the organization signaled it had landed its newest franchise star.

Since then, the team pivoted to a new era, one with Dončić at the helm.In many ways, LeBron James not returning to the Lakers was the final domino to fall.The departure of James cemented Dončićas the new Lakers leader as he helped general manager Rob Pelinka and front office construct the roster this summer.There are looming questions about the current roster, all that will have to be answered by the team’s performance on the court.

Initial reactions to the Lakers’ signings this summer have wondered whether the team will jell on the hardwood.The Lakers’ headlined the offseason by signing center Walker Kessler to a three-year, $130 million deal.

Pelinka directly fulfilled Doncic’s request of landing an A-list big man.Aside from Kessler, free agent signings such as Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili will have to prove they can play together seamlessly.

Thus, the Lakers face immense pressure from the start of the 2026-27 season.Dončić knows this and his decision to host a minicamp in his home country is a direct result of that understanding.

The veteran’s teammates will get a chance to know the 27-year-old’s homeland, but more importantly, players will have the chance to build chemistry ahead of training camp.Dončić has dealt with injuries the last two seasons.So, the superstar will have to prove himself not only in...