Luka Doncic isn't the first or only Slovenian to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. From 2004 until midway through the 2010-11 season, Sasha Vujavic played for the Lakers, and he was on the roster when they won back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
Doncic recently took the players on the Lakers' current roster to Slovenia for a minicamp that combined basketball activities with fun team-bonding activities such as cycling, rowing, fishing and golf. It was the type of thing that could give this new-look team a head start on the upcoming NBA season while helping to build chemistry and camaraderie.
Vujacic made an appearance on ESPN L.A. and said he's happy Doncic held that minicamp in Slovenia, and he also praised the superstar's leadership.
“It’s been there and what Luka has been doing, he’s showing the leadership,” Vujacic said. “I’m very excited about this year. I think he’s finally a Laker, Laker. And him and AR and the team that we have, I can’t wait to watch it and for him to bring the team to Slovenia to show them where he comes from, to show everybody what Slovenia is all about. I think they have a better understanding of what it means for him to be in L.A. and through his journey how important it is to win. So, that’s always great to see.”
Teammates such as Kevon Looney have also said that Doncic truly stepped up his leadership and showed how ready he is to lead the way for the Lakers now that LeBron James is gone.
With nine new players, the Lakers will possibly need to lean heavily on Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially in the early months of the season, for stability and support. But there is some real talent on this roster, and it is very possible that the team will truly hit its stride after the All-Star break once it has developed at least a rudimentary level of chemistry.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Sasha Vujacic on Luka Doncic's minicamp: 'He's finally a Laker'
