Long before LeBron James bid farewell to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, the transition of power within the franchise began. Luka Dončić, whom the Lakers famously traded for in February 2025, became their crown jewel.
But James remained at the heart of JJ Redick’s squad that season and this past season. James and Dončić coexisted remarkably well, each respecting the other’s game while forming an entertaining three-headed attack with Austin Reaves.
Even though the Lakers have been planning their future around Dončić for a good bit of time now, it wasn’t until James officially closed the door on his chapter in L.A. that Dončić stood alone in the spotlight. He’s the undisputed face of the franchise, and he’s reportedly embracing a leadership role that’s seemingly heightened in the absence of James, a four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP.
In fact, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dončić is hosting the entire Lakers roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August. The trip will feature workouts, golf, bonding and touring Ljubljana, the capital city, McMenamin reported on Wednesday.
Dončić, a six-time All-NBA first teamer, is preparing for a pivotal season in his already prolific career. He played his way into the MVP conversation last season before a Grade 2 left hamstring strain ended his campaign prematurely. He experienced that setback in early April and didn’t make it back for the Lakers’ postseason run, which came to a screeching halt against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
When he was healthy, he sparkled. No one in the league averaged more points (33.5) than Dončić during the 2025-26 season.
Dončić is reportedly “excited” about L.A. bringing back Reaves and acquiring former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Retaining Reaves and securing a top-tier rim-protecting center were both on Dončić’s offseason wish list, according to a July report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Dončić will reportedly get a chance to connect with Kessler and the Lakers’ other newcomers, in addition to strengthening his relationships with the team’s returners, in his home country next month ahead of training camp.
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