Luka Doncic debuts new look at Lakers Slovenia minicamp
Luka Donić turned heads at the Lakers' Slovenia minicamp with longer hair, a white Austin Reaves-style headband, and a noticeably slimmer frame in viral workout videos and photos shared by the team. The four-day trip in his home country gave fans their clearest look yet at the franchise star as he prepares to lead Los Angeles in its first summer without LeBron James.
The Lakers traveled overseas for a chemistry-building minicamp hosted by Dončić in Slovenia, with trending clips and images circulating widely on social media ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. For more sports moments breaking across platforms, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Key Takeaways
- Dončić debuted longer hair, a Reaves-like white headband, and a leaner offseason physique at the Slovenia sessions.
- The Aug. 20–24 minicamp in Ljubljana brought nearly the full roster together after major summer roster turnover.
- Dirk Nowitzki's shooting coach, Holger Geschwindner, was spotted at camp, per Marc Stein.
- Lakers preseason play begins Oct. 5; the regular season opens Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
- Dončić chartered travel and covered accommodations for teammates during the bonding trip, per NBA insider reports.
Why Did Luka Doncic Host a Lakers Minicamp in Slovenia?
Dončić organized a four-day gathering centered on workouts and team bonding in his native Slovenia, according to Bleacher Report. Monday, Aug. 24, was scheduled as the final day of the camp.
The Lakers added nine new players this summer while losing LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes in free agency. With so many unfamiliar faces, the trip offered an early chance to learn how to play together before official training camp begins.
The itinerary included basketball workouts, golf, fishing, group dinners, and visits to Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Dončić reportedly chartered a flight and covered transportation and accommodations for teammates. The only absence was first-round pick Cameron Carr, who had NBA rookie obligations.
What Does Doncic's New Look Mean for Lakers Fans?
In video and photos from the camp, Dončić was seen sporting longer hair and a headband similar to teammate Austin Reaves. He also looked slim, which Bleacher Report noted is customary for him at this stage of the offseason.
According to Yahoo Sports, the leaner frame reflects a conditioning transformation entering its second year rather than a quick summer makeover. The longer hair and Reaves-style headband may be cosmetic, but the physical change drew immediate attention after the Lakers posted workout footage.
Dončić and Reaves will lead an intriguing roster that also includes newcomers Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Matisse Thybulle, plus Sandro Mamukelashvili and possibly Jaden Hardy.
Who Was Spotted Helping Doncic at Camp?
Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki's longtime shooting coach, Holger Geschwindner, was spotted at the Slovenia sessions, according to Marc Stein and LeBron Wire. Nowitzki and Dončić played together on the Dallas Mavericks during the 2018-19 season—Dončić's rookie year—and developed a close friendship.
Outside shooting remains an area the Lakers hope to improve. Dončić shot 36.6% from three-point range last season despite winning his second scoring title at 33.5 points per game. Geschwindner's presence suggests the franchise wants to sharpen that part of Dončić's game alongside roster additions who can better space the floor.
When Can Fans See the Lakers in Action?
Workout video and photos from Slovenia trended across social platforms over the weekend, giving supporters an early preview of the post-LeBron era. The Lakers' first preseason game is set for Oct. 5, with the regular season tipping off Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
For a team rebuilding chemistry abroad, the Slovenia minicamp was as much about leadership as aesthetics. Dončić's new look grabbed headlines, but the trip's real value was bringing a reshaped roster together before the grind of a full NBA schedule.