Los Angeles Lakers fans can relax. Luka Doncic was liquidated back to Slovenia a few days after his knee panic in Operation Eurobasket.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Tuesday that he was “reportedly cleared for the Slovenian game”, ending speculation that the injury might linger.
The incident happened Saturday during an exhibition match against Latvia when a teammate fell on his leg. He started from the field and did not return to that game.
The Slovenian staff called and although Luca wanted to go back, he sat on the bench with his knees wrapped around his knees.
By Monday, the news looked much better.
“Doncic was able to return to practice,” wrote Yahoo Sports’ Chris Cwik. “He obviously came out of the kind of practice he looked like himself, and Doncic was reportedly cleared Tuesday.”
Slovenia is now facing the UK in its next exhibition.
Timing is important. Slovenia’s official European shoe opener against Poland on August 28, Doncic’s appearance this week is seen as a positive sign of a positive recovery.
This year, there are also greater expectations for Doncic at the NBA level. He averaged 28.2 points and 8.1 rebounds after the trade last season after the blockbuster deal brought him from Dallas to Los Angeles. Earlier this month, he signed with the Lakers for three years, with a $165 million extension.
The 26-year-old also works in regulation. The report said that he lost about 31 pounds due to the new training regime. If so, that might mean the best version of Luka, but heading into the 2025-26 season.
Read more: Luka Dončić suffered injury after a collision in Eurobasket
