Luka Dončić Dodges Scare: Knee Contusion Won’t Stop Slovenia’s Star Ahead of EuroBasket 2025

Luka Dončić Dodges Scare: Knee Contusion Won’t Stop Slovenia’s Star Ahead of EuroBasket 2025

For a brief moment, Slovenia held its breath. During an exhibition game against Latvia ahead of EuroBasket 2025, superstar guard Luka Dončić went down clutching his right knee, sparking fears of a serious setback just weeks before the continental showdown. The Dallas Mavericks and now Los Angeles Lakers star, who has become the face of Slovenian basketball, was escorted off the floor after what looked like a potentially alarming injury.

But as quickly as the scare began, relief followed. Initial evaluations confirmed that Dončić had sustained a right knee contusion, essentially a bruise, rather than structural damage. The Slovenian Basketball Federation announced on Sunday that Dončić was already set to return to practice on Monday, with expectations that he will continue to suit up for his country in the coming days.

A Sigh of Relief

The sight of Dončić leaving the court sent ripples across the basketball world. Slovenia, a team built around his playmaking brilliance, relies heavily on his ability to score, distribute, and command attention from defenses. A serious injury would have dramatically altered Slovenia’s EuroBasket ambitions and potentially raised questions about his NBA readiness heading into the fall.

Instead, reports indicate that Dončić’s injury was mild and precautionary rest was the primary reason for his early exit. Slovenia’s medical staff emphasized that there was no ligament damage, no swelling beyond normal levels, and no risk of long-term absence.

“Luka is fine. It was a knee contusion, nothing more,” the Federation said in a statement. “He will resume training with the team on Monday. His availability for upcoming games is expected, though we will manage his minutes carefully at first.”

Dončić’s Importance to Slovenia

There is no overstating Dončić’s value to Slovenia. Since making his senior national team debut as a teenager, he has been at the heart of the country’s basketball renaissance, leading Slovenia to its first EuroBasket title in 2017 and nearly carrying them to an Olympic medal in 2021.

Now, entering EuroBasket 2025, Dončić is not just the leader of the team—he is the cornerstone of Slovenia’s hopes to challenge heavyweights like France, Spain, and Serbia. His ability to produce triple-doubles, control tempo, and elevate teammates has made Slovenia more than just a plucky underdog; with him healthy, they are contenders.

Managing Minutes and Expectations

While the quick return to practice is good news, Slovenia’s coaching staff is expected to take a cautious approach. Exhibition games are about fine-tuning rotations and chemistry, not pushing stars to the limit. Dončić’s workload may be reduced in the next couple of warm-up matches to ensure he is fresh for the tournament opener.

Head coach Aleksander Sekulić downplayed the injury but noted that the team would prioritize long-term fitness.

“With Luka, we always listen to the medical staff. He’s a competitor and wants to play every second, but we will be smart. EuroBasket is long, and we need him at his best.”

Reaction Across the Basketball World

News of Dončić’s injury immediately spread on social media, with fans, analysts, and NBA insiders chiming in. Concerns were heightened given Dončić’s recent history of nagging ankle and leg issues during the NBA season. But relief quickly followed once updates confirmed the minor nature of the injury.

One Slovenian fan tweeted: “When Luka went down, my heart stopped. Thank God it’s just a bruise. We need him for EuroBasket more than ever.”

Even NBA observers, mindful of Dončić’s upcoming debut with the Los Angeles Lakers after his blockbuster move from Dallas, expressed relief that his future remains on track.

Slovenia’s Path Forward

Slovenia will continue its exhibition schedule as it prepares for the official start of EuroBasket. With Dončić cleared to practice, the team can refocus on building chemistry and sharpening strategy. Expectations are sky-high, and Dončić’s presence ensures Slovenia will enter the tournament with belief and swagger.

For Dončić personally, the incident may serve as a reminder of the fine line athletes walk between health and risk. Known for his competitive drive, he has never shied away from playing heavy minutes, but the coming weeks could see a more measured approach. Slovenia needs him, but they need him fully healthy.