IndiaAIFounders — Luka Doncic, Lakers’ Slovenia Trip is Indicative of 6-Time All-Star’s Mentality Next Season, Says 3-Time Champion

Luka Doncic stunned recently after a picture of him sporting a new look surfaced. In the photo, he is sporting a longer hair and a leaner build.

NBA great Dirk Nowitzki can’t help himself but be wowed upon seeing the photo.

“He look tan, he look slim, he look ready to go,” Nowitzki said during an interview with KDFW Fox 4 reporter Sam Gannon.

The Los Angeles Lakers star is extra focused for the new season. It’s not only his physical look that is changing. His mentality, too.

Lakers players save for their rookie recently went to the six-time All-Star’s home country Slovenia and conducted a mini camp and training. They also went to several tourist spots and Doncic’s favorite restaurants. Majority of the expenses, most notably the plane tickets, were reportedly from Doncic’s pockets.

New Laker Kevon Looney is among those who were present in the camp.

He also said that he’s never seen anything like it before.

“I’ve been in the league for a while, and that was my first time doing something like that, to go into somebody’s country and bring us all out there and spend that much time together. I never did that before,” Looney said via Mind of Bron.

Looney joined the Lakers last July on a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum. The 30-year-old center last played for the New Orleans Pelicans but he spent the best years of his career with the Golden State Warriors where he won three NBA titles playing alongside Stephen Curry.

Basketball – NBA – Los Angeles Lakers visit to Ljubljana – Ljubljana, Slovenia – August 23, 2026 Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic with Jarred Vanderbilt on the court where he played growing up in Ljubljana REUTERS/Borut ZivulovicLuka Doncic honing his leadership skills

Doncic is stepping up as the new leader for the Lakers following the departure of LeBron James who is now with the Philadelphia 76ers.

His leadership initiatives appear effective as Looney said is already feeling it. Looney said they are ready to follow their leader.

“So it just shows his character, showing that he really wants to win. He wants people to know his background, why he is, how he is. And I think we did a good job of that,” Looney continued.

“You know he’s a great player and a great leader, and he likes to show what he can do on the court. And we got to see his personality, off the court. So it was great.”

Apr 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Doncic will lead basically a new team. Looney is one of the three new big man in the squad, including Walker Kessler who will start for them and Sandro Mamukelashvili who will come off the bench. Holdovers are Austin Reaves, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Jake Laravia, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Other new additions are Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes, and rookie Cameron Carr.

They will continue to be helmed by JJ Redick who is is now entering his third season as Lakers coach.