Luka Dončić skips Slovenia, adds golf to summer as Lakers hunt a new center

Luka Dončić confirmed he will not join the Slovenian national team this summer, citing family time and a focus on personal recovery. The 27‑year‑old Los Angeles Lakers guard said he will spend his offseason in Ljubljana training individually, doing fitness work and playing golf, a sport he now practices regularly. He explained that the decision was final and that he hopes the young Slovenian squad can succeed without him.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are actively seeking a front‑court upgrade to complement Dončić. Reports indicate the club is targeting high‑quality centers in free agency, with names such as Jalen Duren (Detroit) and Walker Kessler (Utah) highlighted as top prospects. The team is also evaluating draft options at the 25th pick, considering big men like Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed, as well as versatile wings. Lakers executives have emphasized the need for a reliable interior presence to enable Dončić’s style of play, while also weighing roster moves after a playoff exit in the second round.