Luka Doncic did not need a full game to prove a point. He only needed seven minutes. Yep, that is it. That is how long it took for him to calm the nerves of fans, squash doubts, and show he is perfectly fine from the injury scare he suffered against Latvia.
Injury fears fade as Luka Doncic dominates early
So far, in Slovenia’s preparation against Great Britain, Doncic has already looked like himself, and then some. He put up 12 points, 2 rebounds, a three-pointer, and an assist in just over seven minutes of action.
What is more tlling than the box score? He got wherever he wanted, absorbed contact, and went a perfect 7-for-7 at the line.
He has shown absolutely no signs of hesitation and no signs of pain. Just control, and normal Doncic stuff. And for all the Los Angeles Lakers fans that are tuned in and watching from afar, that is exactly the good news they needed to see.
For those unaware of what happened, here is a rewind to his last game, when the panic first set in. During a prep game against Latvia, a teammate lost balance and fell onto Doncic’s knee under the basket. He limped off and was unable to return for the remainder of the game.
For a player with his injury history, including the lingering calf issue that limited him to 50 games last season, the concern was immediate and understandable. The memory of a gassed Luka in the first round of last year’s playoffs was still fresh.
If there was any fear that this summer’s progress might be undone, so far, his performance has said otherwise. Even before the scare, Doncic was making waves.
He had 26 points in the first half against Latvia. Doncic had drawn praise from his Slovenian teammates Edo Muric and Aleksej Nikoli for being faster, leaner, and more explosive.
That is what made the brief injury moment feel like such a gut punch. But all seems to be fine.
Slovenia still has a lot to figure out ahead of EuroBasket, especially without key players like Vlatko Cancaar and Josh Nebo. But as long as Doncic is healthy and in rhythm, they have a chance to bring home glory.
More importantly for Los Angeles, the version of Luka we are seeing right now is the one they are hoping shows up in purple and gold this October. That is who they need throughout the next NBA season.
