Dončić heads to Ljubljana for a pivotal summer

Luka Dončić is returning to Ljubljana with a clear objective: rebuild his body and lay the groundwork for the 2026/27 season after weeks of discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office. His eighth NBA campaign ended with only 64 appearances and, for the first time, an injury‑forced shutdown. A thigh strain proved more serious than initially believed, sidelining him from April 2 until the Lakers’ second‑round exit against Oklahoma City.

Dončić later admitted he was never close to returning, despite advanced rehabilitation work in Europe. Before leaving for Slovenia, he met team executives to align on offseason plans and his personal training program. The Lakers expect him fully healthy by autumn. His decision to skip national‑team duties marks a significant emotional break, ending a five‑year run of summer commitments. Slovenia now hopes he will rejoin the squad for the 2027 World Cup, depending on his recovery and personal circumstances.