As September approaches, teams across the league are beginning the process of ramping up for regular-season action. With training camp just weeks away, this is a perfect opportunity for players to come together and get that extra work in before the real action begins.
As a team, the Los Angeles Lakers have undergone many changes this summer, and it’s only natural that their leader, Luka Doncic, hosts his own minicamp in Slovenia. They arrived earlier this week and were seen having their first dinner together in public. Today, they were seen hanging out in the town again, complete with a full motorcade and the VIP treatment.
Luka and the Lakers moving like royalty through Slovenia, arriving for a meal at Cemopova 😭👑 #LakeShow
(Via ekipa_sn) pic.twitter.com/RFCwzPwmNW
— SleeperLakers (@SleeperLakers) August 21, 2026
With a salary of roughly $55.1 million per year, Luka has virtually endless resources, and he spared no expense in this minicamp. He covered everything for his teammates and seemed to have events planned out to the hour. Of course, even in Slovenia, the Lakers were drawing a crowd, and Doncic was happy to treat them with autographs.
Luka Doncic was greeted by loud MVP chants from the fans as he went to sign for them 🔥
(Via: JayhzLAL/IG) pic.twitter.com/JCTmyciA8o
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 21, 2026
Clearly, Doncic wanted this to be more than just a “business” trip. With most of his teammates in attendance (all but rookie Cameron Carr), he took the opportunity to show them around, bringing them to Ljubljana Castle, a popular tourist spot in the area. As usual, they presented a united front as everyone walked in together, fully immersed and focused on the experience.
The Lakers are at Ljubljana Castle 🏰
video: @24ur_com pic.twitter.com/5fDAYKwPev
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) August 21, 2026
Arguably, the best part of this stretch was their trip to the Ljubljanica River, where they navigated steep canals to a crowd of onlookers. It made for quite a scene as cameras captured the team coming through the water in almost cinematic form.
Luka Doncic took the Lakers on a canal trip to the Ljubljanica River as his next gift 🇸🇮
(Via: Ekipa_sn/IG) pic.twitter.com/53t0B4zLDo
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 21, 2026
Clearly, the Lakers are taking full advantage of this excursion. After a summer of turmoil and change, there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to building chemistry and establishing a clear identity in the locker room. By starting now and forming a bond early, Doncic is expediting the transition process and ensuring the maximum chances of success.
It’s unclear what else Luka has planned for the trip, but it’s only just begun. Official reports have the event running from Thursday through Monday, giving them the rest of the weekend to enjoy the trip. Whether we see them out again or they spend their remaining time in the gym, the important thing is that they have taken the time to get to know each other.
Now, when the Lakers begin their official training camp next month, the players will already be somewhat familiar with each other and ready to make the most of the experience. As an added bonus, they will likely be coming into it in much better shape than they otherwise would. Without a doubt, this minicamp is a good sign for the Purple and Gold, and it’s a positive reflection of Luka’s leadership.
