Luka Doncic puts NBA on notice with monster EuroBasket performance

Doncic had 39 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, but Slovenia ran out of gas late in a 103-95 loss to France. The game was tied with less than four minutes to go, but Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards blocked a shot and former Phoenix Sun Elie Okobo had nine points down the stretch to ruin Slovenia's upset bid.

The Los Angeles Lakers guard reportedly lost 31 pounds this summer, and the newly slender All-Star showed off speed and agility throughout the contest. Even when Sarr played excellent defense on him, Doncic found a way to make baskets.

It wasn't enough to overcome Team France, especially with Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks nailing four threes with a remarkably quick release on his shots, and impressive defense on Doncic.

But Doncic was still the most impressive player. Teams in EuroBasket have had no recourse but to foul him constantly, and he's made them pay by going 19-of-20 from the foul line Saturday after making 17 of 19 free throws in Slovenia's first game versus Poland. Considering that Doncic averaged 8.9 free-throw attempts, the increased free-throw accuracy could be huge.

Plus, he remained feisty, even when the game was decided. In the game's closing seconds, France's Sylvain Francisco (32 points) shook hands with Doncic as if to acknowledge the game was over, then drove for a layup, which led to a scuffle, four technical fouls and two ejections.

Doncic is averaging 36.5 points, nine assists and six rebounds so far in EuroBasket play on a team with very little help. The Lakers team brass flew to Poland to support Doncic, but his fitness, scoring and competitiveness should be putting the entire NBA on notice.