On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles Lakers fans held their breath for several tense moments. Luka Doncic, the team’s new franchise cornerstone, suffered an on-court scare during a EuroBasket exhibition game while representing Slovenia against Latvia. The incident immediately raised concerns across the NBA world, as many feared the worst for one of the league’s brightest stars.
Doncic recently signed a massive long-term contract with the Lakers, a move that shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference. The Lakers have built their roster with him at the center, relying on his scoring ability, playmaking vision, and leadership to carry them through the upcoming season. An injury at this point would not only devastate the team’s chances but also shake the confidence of fans who have been waiting eagerly to see him dominate in purple and gold.
An accident on the court
According to the New York Post, the incident happened during the third quarter. Gregor Hrovat, Doncic’s Slovenian teammate, defended a play, lost his balance, and fell backward directly onto Doncic’s leg. The contact looked dangerous in real time, and silence filled the arena as Doncic collapsed to the floor in pain.
Luka Doncic’s teammate fell into him and the Lakers star appeared to injure his knee.
Doncic asked out of the game and went back to the Slovenia locker room. pic.twitter.com/RLSDjpeQkS— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 16, 2025
The Lakers star grimaced, bent over, and clutched his leg while teammates and trainers rushed toward him. He eventually managed to get up, but he limped noticeably as he left the court through the sideline. Despite the scare, Doncic showed resilience and walked to the locker room without assistance, calming some of the immediate fears.
The Athletic later reported that Doncic had avoided a serious injury. Before the accident, he displayed his trademark brilliance, scoring 26 points, grabbing four rebounds, and handing out five assists in the first half alone. His performance reminded everyone why the Lakers invested so heavily in him and why Slovenia counts on him as their leader.
Uncertainty still surrounds his availability for Slovenia’s EuroBasket opener on August 28 against Poland. Nonetheless, early signs suggest the injury is not severe. Thanks to his rigorous offseason training and physical preparation, Doncic remains in strong condition. Both Slovenia and the Lakers will hope this incident serves only as a minor scare and not as a setback to what promises to be a defining season.
