The reason why the Lakers' management has traveled to Eurobasket 2025
Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka have set course for Poland to support Luka Doncic in his tournament with Slovenia
The Eurobasket 2025 has already begun. Slovenia, led by Luka Doncic, debuts on the second day of competition against Poland, and all eyes are on him. The excitement is palpable, so much so that even the management of the Los Angeles Lakers (Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka) has traveled to show support for their superstar.
"No issues, it's something we believe in as an organization of the Lakers," stated Pelinka, emphasizing that the club understands and respects Luka Doncic's decision to represent his national team. The player also recently renewed with the Los Angeles franchise this summer in the NBA.
The Slovenian shooting guard, who was traded to the Lakers last February in one of the most remarkable moves of the last decade, faces a summer filled with emotions. Despite a minor physical scare during the preparation games, Doncic has reiterated his unwavering commitment to Slovenia.
"I have always wanted to represent my country. I always will, no matter what. If I'm healthy, I'll play. It's an easy decision," declared the player, who at 26 years old remains the standout figure in Slovenian basketball and one of the most recognizable faces in the global NBA scene.
Total Support from the Lakers
In a demanding schedule like that of the NBA, few teams usually allocate time and resources to travel abroad in the middle of summer. The fact that both Buss and Pelinka flew over 11 hours to Europe to watch Doncic play is a clear indication of the role they expect the Slovenian to continue in the Los Angeles franchise: not only as a leader on the court but also as the face of the project.
"We wanted to show him that we are with him in everything he does for his country," explained Pelinka. "It's important for him to know that we value his commitment, that we support him every step of the way. Also, seeing him here, integrated with his teammates, in great form and enjoying himself, is very motivating. Crossing the ocean was worth it."
Doncic's response was swift. The player, aware of how unusual it is to see the top management of an NBA team at a FIBA tournament, interpreted this gesture as a sign of mutual trust:
"It means a lot. It's an 11 or 12-hour flight to get here. For them to come just to support me speaks volumes about how they feel about me. I am very grateful," concluded the Slovenian.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El motivo por el que la directiva de los Lakers ha viajado al Eurobasket 2025
