The NBA offseason has progressed quickly, and the new season looms on the horizon. For a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, which made so many new additions, building chemistry will take time, and that’s why they’ve already started the process of getting everyone on the same page.
While we can expect the team’s official training camp to take place next month, Luka Doncic took the initiative by hosting his own minicamp, which just started this week. The whole team was invited, and they were seen walking in together for their first team dinner.
The Lakers have arrived at the first team dinner in Slovenia 👀
(Via @24ur_com) pic.twitter.com/JJmduyvkDb
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) August 20, 2026
The vibes were unmistakably positive, and it’s not surprising given the lengths that Luka has gone to make his teammates comfortable. He planned and organized everything, likely the first of many selfless gestures to come.
Luka even posted some pictures on Instagram to mark the occasion, in which we could see Austin Reaves, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler (among others) smiling around a set dinner table. The group looked to be in good spirits, confirming reports of positive vibes in the locker room.
Luka Doncic posts a picture of the entire Lakers team at dinner on IG 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/4lXMvv5GLL
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 20, 2026
For Doncic, the trip is more than just a chance to build chemistry. By coming out and running his own minicamp at an exclusive site in Slovenia, he’s sending a message that he’s serious about living up to championship expectations. Of course, he also took the chance to show some love ot the fans, who he hooked up with autographs before meeting his teammates.
Luka took time for fans before seeing his teammates today. Always fans first player. 👏 pic.twitter.com/UpyIhwZ8BO
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) August 20, 2026
After losing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart this summer, the Lakers are facing uncertainty about how they stack up against the rest of the West. As it stands, beating the Thunder or Spurs as currently constructed seems impossible, but the Lakers are showing no signs of fear. Between the revamped roster and Luka’s superstar status (averages of 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season), they have a pathway to contention for years to come, and they are determined to make the most of it.
Regarding what else may be planned for this exclusive minicamp, only Doncic knows for sure. He has the entire event planned out, with the focus on building bonds and maximizing chemistry both on and off the court. Some conditioning work may also be involved as early preparation for the Lakers’ official training camp.
Regardless of the itinerary, this event is a good sign for the Lakers’ direction and identity as a team. Even with the offseason in full swing, every player on the team has answered the call to get to work and work toward a brighter future. Whether they achieve the desired results remains to be seen, but nobody can say they didn’t try to make this work.
