Overview
- Dončić’s representatives confirmed Wednesday that he will not play for Slovenia in the July World Cup qualifying window so he can pursue joint custody and spend time with his two daughters.
- His father, Sasa Dončić, told Slovenian media there remains a possibility Luka could rejoin the team in August and said the Los Angeles Lakers have placed no formal restriction on his international play.
- The decision follows a reported Grade 2 hamstring strain late in the NBA season that kept Dončić out of the playoffs and is now the central focus of his summer rehabilitation plan.
- Jaxson Hayes has obtained a Slovenian passport but federation officials and Sasa Dončić say Hayes’ integration will be gradual and may wait until Dončić is comfortable introducing him to the squad.
- Slovenia sits in a workable position in Group H for July games against Estonia and Sweden, but the August window brings stronger opponents and higher stakes, so Dončić’s availability could materially affect Slovenia’s qualification outlook.