Luka Doncic’s game is already world-class, but according to one of his closest friends and Slovenian teammates, his leadership is what’s taking the biggest leap. Slovenian forward Edo Muric says Doncic has become more vocal, more patient, and more trusting with his national team, showing a maturity that wasn’t always there in his younger years.
“Every year, he’s more vocal and even more patient with the players because he’s coming from a different level than we are,” Muric said, via The Athletic. “And sometimes (the mistakes), it’s not acceptable for him. Maybe he used to expect too much from us because he comes from another world that we come from, you know? Now, as he’s maturing, he gets that. And he’s giving us more and more trust.”
Doncic’s leadership has been called into question before. During his tenure with the Mavericks, he endured a constant struggle to stay in shape, and it set a bad example for teammates. Then, when the Mavs made the Finals in 2024, Luka’s defense was exposed to a heightened degree, and it was enough for GM Nico Harrison to lose faith in his star.
When Doncic was exiled from Dallas, the franchise blamed his work ethic and immaturity, but he’s already shown amazing growth in those areas. At just 26 years old, Doncic is still learning how to become an effective leader, and his Slovenian teammates this summer have noticed him being more vocal both on and off the court.
Not only that, but Luka has gotten more patient with his teammates. While he isn’t afraid to call others out on their mistakes, he’s much better at doing it in a way that enhances others rather than bringing them down. It was all on display at EuroBasket 2025 this summer, where Doncic put on a show for the masses.
He averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 2.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks across seven games, leading the tournament in scoring to earn a spot on the All-Star Five. He led Slovenia in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and minutes played while taking them to the quarterfinals against Germany.
While Luka did not win the tournament, his performance was inspiring for Lakers fans. In the wake of the Anthony Davis trade, the franchise has bet their entire future on Luka’s success, and he’s already locked in for the foreseeable future.
The good news is that Doncic is in shape and ready to lead like he’s never led before. For a Lakers team with title ambitions this season, he knows the pressure involved and has embraced it all. All that’s left to do is prove his national team right by carrying over his EuroBasket performance to the regular season and beyond. All signs are pointing to a positive result for Doncic, and the Lakers will be better off for it.
For all the doubts about his leadership and maturity, Luka Doncic is showing signs that he’s ready to silence the noise. If he can bring the same patience, trust, and dominance he displayed with Slovenia to Los Angeles, the Lakers may finally have the version of Luka who can carry them to the top.
