Full Breakdown
Lakers' Slovenia Minicamp: Building Chemistry and Shooting Skills Ahead of the 2026-27 Season
8/25/2026, 11:46:43 AM
Core Event – Luka Doncic Leads Lakers to Slovenia Minicamp
On the final day of the Los Angeles Lakers’ minicamp in Ljubljana, star guard Luka Doncic oversaw intensive practices with the roster except rookie Cameron Carr, who was in a mandatory NBA rookie-initiation program. The camp, held in Doncic’s native country, was designed to accelerate team chemistry after a major roster turnover that added nine new players and saw the departure of LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes.
Background & Context
The offseason marked the end of the LeBron James era; James announced on June 30, 2026 that he would not return, prompting the Lakers to reconstruct the roster around Doncic. Additions included center Walker Kessler, forwards Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney, and guards Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle and Cameron Carr. The Slovenia minicamp gave the new group a head start before the official training camp.
Key Figures & Groups
- Luka Doncic – guard, new franchise leader.
- Holger Geschwindner – German shooting coach who mentored Dirk Nowitzki.
- Marc Stein – NBA reporter.
- Ramona Shelburne – ESPN analyst.
- Jarred Vanderbilt – Forward who spent notable time with Doncic.
Timeline
- June 30, 2026 – LeBron James announces he will not return.
- Early August 2026 – Lakers begin Slovenia minicamp with a team dinner.
- August 23, 2026 – Final day of the minicamp in Ljubljana.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Ramona Shelburne described the trip as “like a bachelorette trip,” noting gift bags, a visit to Luka’s favorite restaurant, and plans for fishing on Lake Bled with “some golf involved.”
Marc Stein explained that Geschwindner’s presence was linked to the “Total Hoops Approach” youth initiatives funded by Doncic and The Search Institute.
On-the-Ground Reports
A New York Post account said the Lakers traveled by boat along Ljubljana’s canals, where a jersey was thrown into the water—potentially by forward Jarred Vanderbilt. A fan in a Luka Doncic jersey then jumped into the Ljubljanica River to retrieve it, prompting a “dumbfounded” reaction from Doncic.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites “potentially forward Jarred Vanderbilt” as the player who tossed the jersey; another mentions “someone in the Lakers’ boat.” No definitive confirmation or details about the shirt’s design are provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Holger works closely with Luka on his Total Hoops Approach youth basketball initiatives, as does The Search Institute via funding from Doncic,” — Marc Stein, NBA reporter
- “You better believe there's teams around the league that are looking at that situation and saying, 'Hey, if this thing goes sideways, we'd sure like to get Luka in the midway through his prime,'” — Tim MacMahon
What’s Next
The Lakers will move from the Slovenia minicamp to their official training camp in Los Angeles, where the roster will continue to integrate the new players and refine shooting under the guidance of the coaching staff and, potentially, Holger Geschwindner.
