Luka Dončić Leads Lakers to Slovenia Minicamp Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers, reshaped after LeBron James departed for the Philadelphia 76ers, are entering a new era centered on Luka Dončić. In August 2026 Dončić will host the entire roster – including new additions Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Kevon Looney and Austin Reaves – for a four‑day minicamp in his native Slovenia. The itinerary combines basketball workouts, pick‑up games, golf outings and sightseeing in Ljubljana, and Dončić is covering his teammates’ travel costs. The retreat is intended to build chemistry before the official preseason, which begins on Oct 5, 2026 with a road game against the Sacramento Kings. The move underscores Dončić’s emerging leadership after the franchise’s biggest roster overhaul in years.
Entities: Adou Thiero · Austin Reaves · Cameron Carr · LeBron James · Ljubljana · Ljubljana, Slovenia · Los Angeles Lakers · Luka Dončić · Magic Johnson · Walker Kessler
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Luka Dončić will host the entire Los Angeles Lakers roster for a four‑day minicamp in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in August 2026.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Luka Dončić averaged 33.5 points per game last season. (multiple)
- [DISPUTED] The Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals after Dončić’s injury.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The minicamp will include team workouts, golf, and tourism activities.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler in the offseason.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Lakers have expressed interest in acquiring center Jalen Smith to add front‑court depth.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Luka Dončić became the Lakers’ franchise leader after LeBron James left for Philadelphia.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Lakers added players including Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy to the roster.
- [DISPUTED] Luka Dončić missed the 2025‑26 playoffs after a left hamstring strain injury in April. (multiple)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Lakers will start the 2026‑27 season without LeBron James for the first time since 2017. (multiple)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Luka Dončić will host the entire Los Angeles Lakers roster, including two‑way players, for a four‑day minicamp in Slovenia in August 2026. (multiple)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Slovenia minicamp itinerary includes workouts, golf and tourism in Ljubljana. (multiple)