Luka Doncic’s offseason had gone completely till he suffered an damage scare taking part in for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025.
Initially, the Los Angeles Lakers accomplished the summer season signing of Deandre Ayton to present Doncic a lob-catcher to help subsequent season.
He then accepted a three-year, $165 million contract to stick with the Lakers, making him one of many highest-paid gamers in NBA historical past.
Plus, the 26-year-old has been engaged on his health all through the summer season and appears to be in one of the best form of his skilled basketball profession.
Nevertheless, all of Doncic’s onerous work may have been undone when his Slovenian teammate fell on him throughout a EuroBasket warm-up recreation.
Fortunately, the Lakers celebrity just isn’t injured, however Stephen A. Smith has now argued whether or not he ought to cease taking part in for his nationwide workforce.
Contemplating the LA Lakers simply paid Doncic $165m to be their long-term celebrity, one would perceive them not wanting him to take any dangers.
Nevertheless, the opposite aspect of the coin is that he’s taking part in himself into tip-top form to play one of the best basketball of his NBA profession subsequent season.
Certainly, that’s the reason why Stephen A. Smith doesn’t suppose it’s a nasty thought for Doncic to proceed taking part in for Slovenia this summer season.
“Usually, I’d say sure. However on this case, I’m going to say no,” he mentioned. “He missed a variety of final season, clearly, in Dallas earlier than he acquired traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Regardless that he was off form in lots of people’s eyes, he nonetheless averaged 28, 8, and seven. He’s been on this conditioning tip and appears in one of the best form we’ve ever seen him in. He simply signed a brand new three-year deal.
“If you happen to take all of these issues into consideration, I’d say to you, he’s acquired his bag, he’s acquired his cash, and now he’s attempting to work himself into one of the best form that he’s ever been in his life. So if that is how he chooses to do it, I don’t knock him one bit.”
Stephen A. additionally identified that overseas gamers, equivalent to Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, sometimes care extra about worldwide basketball than Individuals.
“Not solely that, I believe it’s necessary to remind all people what worldwide gamers needs to be applauded for, which is one thing that we lament with the American gamers,” Smith added.
“Their stage of dedication to their nation, desirous to signify their nation, as usually as they play in worldwide competitors, is essential to them. Their native residents maintain them accountable.
“These things issues to these people. And so, whenever you take a look at it from that standpoint, his stepping up and doing that, I can perceive the place he’s coming from. I can’t knock him for that.”
With Doncic on the courtroom, Slovenia has a real probability to win EuroBasket 2025, so who can blame him for taking it significantly?
