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It's been quite the summer for Luka Doncic. Recently, he signed a $165 contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Later this month, he will play for the Slovenian National Team in the EuroBasket Tournament beginning August 27. In an interview with the Slovenian sports newspaper Ekipa, Doncic spoke on the Lakers supporting him in this endeavor, per Hoops Hype.
“They support me, they really support me and encourage me to the maximum” he said.
The EuroBasket tournament, held every four years, will go from August 27 to September 14. After the Lakers were eliminated in the playoffs, Doncic joined the Slovenian team camp.
He will play alongside other notable Slovenian players, including Zoran Dragić (Surne Bilbao), Vlatko Čančar (Denver Nuggets), and Klemen Prepelič (Dubai).
Doncic is coming off one of the most high-profile seasons in his career. After the historic trade from the Mavericks to the Lakers, he became a vital part of the Lakers.
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game with the Lakers.
In preparation for the tournament, Doncic underwent a complete physical transformation. After years of criticism for being overweight, Doncic has presented a much slimmer physique.
The popularity of Luka Doncic in Slovenia
In his home country, Doncic is a celebrity. Other Slovenians often see him as an ambassador to them on the world stage, especially in the context of basketball being a globalized sport.
When he was playing with the Mavericks, fans in Slovenia would watch him play even with a significant time difference.
Additionally, Doncic has helped to boost tourism to Slovenia. Basketball is the most popular sport in the country. Families and communities have picked up the sport and play it recreationally.
In 2017, Slovenia won the EuroBasket tournament. Now playing alongside LeBron James, Doncic's impact in Slovenia will likely only to grow.
Certainly will be true if Slovenia wins it all.
