Luka Doncic has been one of the best basketball players in the world over the last several seasons. But with the new NBA season nearing, it seems as if he’s about to enter a new chapter of an already stellar career.
He got into excellent shape this summer and played outstanding basketball at EuroBasket 2025, averaging a tournament-high 34.7 points per game. In fact, his defense, which has long been his weak link, was very solid during EuroBasket 2025, and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean, who was with the Slovenian national team, considered him the best defender on Slovenia’s roster.
Doncic has also apparently stepped up in another department: leadership. One of his Slovenian squad teammates said he has become more vocal, and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka praised his growth as a leader recently.
Via Silver Screen and Roll:
“I think the thing that probably stood out among many things for me is…just his overall leadership tone and how he not only led by example,” Pelinka said, “but he was very demonstrative in the practice in terms of his expectations of the team, how they played, their togetherness. I think just seeing that continued evolution and growth with him as not only a leader by example but a leader with his voice really stood out to me and I think it’s something that’s going to carry into camp this year.”
Doncic may seem low-key off the court, but being more vocal and demonstrative on the court will only help the Lakers, especially as they near the end of LeBron James’ time with them. He is now their unquestioned cornerstone, and it is his turn to lead them to at least one NBA championship in the years to come.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka praises Luka Doncic’s improved leadership
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
