Luka Dončić Organizes a Mini-Camp in Slovenia to Prepare the Lakers

Since LeBron James departed to Philadelphia, there is no longer any doubt: the Los Angeles Lakers now belong to Luka Dončić. And the point guard has wasted no time establishing his leadership. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Slovenian will host the entire Lakers roster in Slovenia for a four-day mini-camp in August.

W LUKA BRINGING THE LAKERS TO HIS HOMELAND 🇸🇮🔥

Luka Doncic is hosting the entire Lakers roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August, featuring workouts, golf, sightseeing in Ljubljana and some team bonding ahead of training camp, sources tell @mcten. pic.twitter.com/IswbYstlma

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 29, 2026

A New Lakers Era Built on the Leader’s Home Turf

The camp’s agenda includes on-court workouts, golf, sightseeing in the capital Ljubljana, and team-bonding activities. An initiative driven entirely by the player himself, well ahead of the official training camp scheduled for late September.

The timing of this gathering is no coincidence. The Lakers have undergone numerous changes this summer. In addition to LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard have all left the franchise. Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and first-round pick Cameron Carr have joined JJ Redick’s team. These new faces will need time together to hit the ground running.

Luka Doncic Is Excited About The New Lakers Additions. Per, @mcten

“He’s excited about them.” pic.twitter.com/smKLXW1bQA

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) July 24, 2026

Dončić is said to be particularly « excited » about reuniting with Austin Reaves, who re-signed this summer, and welcoming center Walker Kessler, acquired via a sign-and-trade with Utah. Both arrivals were at the top of his wish list for this summer, according to The Athletic.

A Duo That Embodies the Future of L.A.

The golf portion of the trip should delight Austin Reaves, an avid golfer and close friend of Dončić. The guard had in fact mentioned it with a touch of humor after signing his extension: « He’s one of my best friends on this planet. We talk almost every day. He sends me videos of his golf swing asking what he can do to improve… But I tell him I’m not a coach. »

Luka Doncic vs Austin Reaves — Comparison

On the court, the 2025-2026 season served as a reminder of just how indispensable Dončić is. The league’s leading scorer with an average of 33.5 points per game, he saw his campaign cut short in April due to a torn left hamstring tendon. The Lakers still managed to eliminate Houston in the first round before being swept by Oklahoma City in the conference semifinals.

This mini-camp in Slovenia fits into a well-established tradition in the NBA. LeBron James used to organize gatherings in Las Vegas before each training camp. Luka Dončić is picking up the torch, but in his own way, on his home soil. A strong signal sent to the entire franchise: the new Lakers era is now being built on his terms.