In a stunning development following the Los Angeles Lakers’ Western Conference semifinals exit, Luka Doncic announced he will not participate in this summer’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 115-110 loss on May 12.
“I want to give everything for Slovenia, but I’m disappointed I can’t play for my country this summer,” Doncic wrote in a statement on social media. He clarified that the decision is not injury-related, as he was expected to return to the court in June. Instead, Doncic cited his ongoing custody battle for his two daughters. “When choosing between being there for them and representing my country, I had to make a tough call. They will always come first.”
The Thunder went 8-0 against the Lakers this season (including playoffs), outscoring them by an average of 22.6 points per game. Doncic has been sidelined since a hamstring strain late in the regular season. When asked if he would try to convince LeBron James and Austin Reaves to re-sign with the Lakers this summer, Doncic deflected. “We’ll see. I can’t tell you now.” He praised the team’s chemistry, saying their late-season surge made them believe they could contend for a championship.
Doncic missed the entire postseason. In the regular season, he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals over 64 games, leading the league in scoring and turnovers (4.0 per game) with shooting splits of 47.6/36.6/78.0.
Many fans have questioned LeBron James’ future. After the sweep, James responded: “I’ve said before, I’ll take my time and think about it. I never said I was going to actively retire. I’ll talk to my family and make a decision. I don’t think I let anyone down this season. I left everything on the floor, that’s for sure.”
James averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.3 steals over 10 playoff games, shooting 45.9/32.7/74.6. He ranked 12th in minutes per game (38.4) and fourth in assists and turnovers. His $52.62 million contract expires this summer, and it remains unclear where he will play next season. Most analysts believe he is still capable of high-level play and is unlikely to retire.
Austin Reaves, who can opt out of his $54 million contract this offseason, averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in six playoff games but led the league in turnovers per game (4.5) among qualified players. His shooting percentages dipped to 40.7/25.7/86.0. Speculation is high on whether the Lakers will retain both him and James.