Luka Doncic. Image via: Adam Pantozzi/ NBAE via Getty Images
Luka Doncic has made his first major statement as the undisputed face of the Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James gone after joining the Philadelphia 76ers, Doncic brought the Lakers to Slovenia for a four-day minicamp designed to build chemistry before his first full season as the franchise’s centerpiece. He welcomed his teammates with dinner, workouts, pickup games, golf and time exploring Ljubljana, turning an offseason trip into an early test of his leadership.
Doncic reportedly chartered a Bombardier Global 8000 for 14 Lakers players, with the 13-hour flight costing at least $18,000 per hour. The 26-hour round trip is expected to cost roughly $500,000, according to Slovenian outlet 24ur.com, with Doncic covering the expense. The 14 players reportedly traveled aboard a luxurious Bombardier Global 8000. He organized a Porsche Driving Experience for the Lakers in October 2025, shortly after joining the organization. Mark Walter’s $12.5 billion purchase of the team and the Buss family’s dispute over its remaining stakes have added another layer of uncertainty around the franchise.
The trip also came with a remarkable price tag. Doncic’s leadership has not been limited to roster decisions. The Slovenia trip gave him a chance to create the kind of shared experience that can be difficult to manufacture during an NBA season. Images from the flight showed a lounge area, individual bedrooms, beds, couches, recliners and televisions. After arriving, Doncic met his teammates alongside his daughter, Gabriela. This is not Doncic’s first attempt at bringing his teammates together. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines This minicamp carries more weight. James is no longer there, and Doncic now enters the season without another established superstar occupying the franchise’s leadership role. The Lakers are also dealing with significant organizational change. Doncic has so far handled that backdrop while remaining focused on basketball. The Slovenia minicamp gives him an opportunity to set the tone before training camp and the regular season arrive. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The Lakers need their new hierarchy to work on the court, but Doncic also needs to establish himself inside a locker room that previously revolved around James.
Luka Doncic gives first Lakers roster outlook in LeBron James-less era
The Lakers enter the 2026-27 season with Doncic at the center of everything. He led the league with 33.5 points per game in 2025-26 while averaging 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. The Lakers retained Austin Reaves on a four-year, $185 million contract and acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz through a sign-and-trade. Kessler received a four-year, $130 million deal, while the Lakers also sent two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps in the transaction.
Doncic’s Instagram Story captured the start of the gathering with a simple caption: “First supper,” Doncic wrote. Luka Doncic shares a teammate’s photo. Image via: Luka Doncic/ Instagram The itinerary mixed basketball with leisure. The players worked out, played pickup games, visited Lake Bled for fishing, played golf and explored Ljubljana. Dinner at Doncic’s favorite restaurant was also part of the trip. James’ departure ended a defining chapter in Los Angeles, while Doncic’s first full season as the team’s unquestioned leader begins with a roster built around his offensive game. Doncic’s production gives the Lakers plenty to build on. Los Angeles also made significant moves around him. Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams were among the other additions. It appears that the Lakers are constructing a roster intended to maximize Doncic’s strengths.