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3h ago

Dončić Will Skip Slovenia to Prioritize Daughters and Presses Lakers for Immediate Upgrades

His decision raises the pressure on Los Angeles to add shooting and a rim‑protecting center to match his title timeline.

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Jan 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with head coach JJ Redick during a time out in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Over Saturday and Sunday, Luka Dončić said he will not play for Slovenia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window so he can focus on his two daughters while a custody dispute proceeds.
  • Dončić reported his April hamstring strain is behind him, that he was cleared for basketball activities in late May and that he is doing individual workouts and playing golf as part of his off‑season routine.
  • Multiple outlets report Dončić has been directly communicating with GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick, pressing the Lakers to add a defensive, athletic center and more shooters to improve pick‑and‑roll pairing and reduce frequent double teams.
  • He has stayed in touch with teammates LeBron James and Austin Reaves during the break, with sources saying their conversations have largely revolved around golf rather than formal recruitment or contract talks.
  • Slovenia will pursue World Cup qualifying through March 2027 without him, and Dončić’s 2025 extension—including a $57.7 million 2028–29 player option and a likely 2028 supermax fight—gives the Lakers a limited runway to build a contender around him.