Stephen A. Smith Has No Problem with Luka Doncic Risking Lakers Season with EuroBasket Run

Luka Doncic suffered a knee injury on Saturday during an exhibition game against Latvia, when a teammate fell into his leg.

Stephen A. Smith Has No Problem with Luka Doncic Risking Lakers Season with EuroBasket Run

Luka Doncic (Image by FirstSportz)

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As per various reports, the Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic suffered a knee contusion with his Slovenian national team while playing at the EuroBasket 2025 competition. Soon after the injury reports came out, the NBA community quickly reacted to the situation. One of them who touched on this matter is Stephen A. Smith.

For those who are unfamiliar, Luka Doncic has been active this offseason, making headlines for many reasons, one of them being bagging his 3-year contract extension with the Lakers. Another reason is his dedication to fitness, going completely muscled up after being labeled in bad shape. Doncic has transformed himself ahead of the new 2025-26 NBA season, but the recent injury to his knee sends concerns all over the Lakers’ fanbase.

Smith thinks otherwise regarding this matter. When asked on the recent episode of First Take whether Doncic playing in the Eurobasket is the right decision, Smith said yes and also asserted that he has no issue with the Slovenian playing in the competition.

Now, he’s out there (at the EuroBasket 2025) trying to work himself in the best shape he has ever been in his life. And so if this is how he chooses to (get in basketball shape), I don’t know him one bit.

Stephen A. Smith said

It is important to know that very few players show importance to their national teams, especially regarding the EuroBasket competition, but Doncic surely is one of them. Not only Doncic, but his overseas partner and Serbian international Nikola Jokic is also another player who shows immense dedication to international basketball.

Jokic, just like Doncic, is also participating in EuroBasket 2025 and is already making rounds for his on-court antics. As for the Lakers star, per reports, his injury is not said to be serious, and he will return to action soon for his nation.

Luka Doncic’s ambitious claim regarding the 2026 NBA Finals

One thing everyone knows is that Luka Doncic is ambitious and has the will to go all the way on whichever side he plays. This was on full display back when he was playing for the Dallas Mavericks, as he single-handedly carried his side to the NBA Finals against a power-packed Boston Celtics team in 2024.

Despite suffering a loss against the Celtics, Doncic’s will to reach another NBA Finals has only increased, but this time with the Los Angeles Lakers. He made a clear, ambitious claim regarding the 2026 NBA Finals back in April.

I don’t want to wait. I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So, let’s do whatever we can now.

Luka Doncic told as per ESPN

The Lakers have not let down Doncic during this offseason. They backed his ambitious claim by adding the likes of DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. These additions are more centered around Doncic for the upcoming season.

Now, with the likes of Doncic, LeBron James, Smart, Ayton, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers look like a complete side to challenge for the 2026 NBA title under the guidance of JJ Redick.

Lakers’ assistant coach reveals Luka Doncic’s ‘main goal’ this season

Greg St. Jean is a name that will surely ring bells for those who have been following Luka Doncic ever since the start. He is one person who has been with the Slovenian at the Mavs, as well as now with the Lakers.

Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Credits: MARCA)

St. Jean is the Lakers’ assistant head coach at the moment. He revealed Doncic’s biggest goal this upcoming season in an interview with BasketNews.

I think he’s done a fantastic job working hard the entire summer. And that’s something that we’re going to wait and see. But that’s the goal, right, is for him to continue to be able to push and play.

Greg St. Jean told BasketNews

The Lakers coach also rejoined Slovenia’s national team management this summer, in preparation for EuroBasket 2025, where he got back together with Doncic. St. Jean also mentioned that one of the things Doncic has been striving for is finding the drive to maintain his performance throughout games.

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