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Luka Doncic Remains Hopeful at EuroBasket Despite Losing His Cool After Bitter Loss to France

Originally posted on The SportsRush | By Joseph Galizia | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 10:07 AM ET

While the NBA is still in its offseason, the EuroBasket season is alive and well. Just this evening, Team Slovenia, led by LA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, battled the extremely talented squad from France. Despite having The Don, the French were the better team and walked away with a 103-95 victory.

The L wasn’t because of Luka. He had 39 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in the game. This comes just days after Slovenia lost to Serbia and the 26-year-old baller lost his temper with his team in an effort to ignite their competitive spirit. Unfortunately, his words haven’t affected them fully, at least not yet.

Now he’s trying a different tactic. Doncic caught up with the media after the France game earlier today and praised his teammates for playing hard. But he also gave kudos to France for their big win.

“Boys did a good job, everyone who stepped on the pitch gave their all. Like I said, France is a great team, unfortunately we lost, but now we have to learn something from this defeat,” stated the NBA sensation.

Luka Dončić after loss vs France:

“Boys did a good job, everyone who stepped on the pitch gave their all. Like I said, France is a great team, unfortunately we lost, but now we have to learn something from this defeat. I know I lose my temper sometimes, but I try to help the… pic.twitter.com/M2hzvLxPzq

— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) August 30, 2025

He wasn’t done there either. Luka then addressed his short temper, claiming that it’s all for the best interest of Slovenia.

“I know I lose my temper sometimes, but I try to help the team. I do it all out of good will, no one wants anything bad and I think we are getting better every day,” he continued.

Honestly, this only futher proves how elite of a competitor Luka can be. He was at times criticized last NBA season, particularly for his defense, about not giving it his all. But this loss to France, with just a few weeks left in EuroBasket, shows how passionate and motivated he is.

And if that doesn’t prove it for you, just look at how he’s transformed himself. Luka worked hard this summer to shed unnecessary weight and bulk up with muscle. He knows that if the Lakers want to go further than an opening-round playoff exit, he’ll have to start winning in the trenches. Fortunatley, him and LeBron will have some help.

That’s because the Purple and Gold have added DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart to the roster. A big man, which is something they sorely lacked last playoffs, and a former DPOY to help improve their perimeter defense. Mix this in with a hungry and more fit Luka, and the 2025-2026 Lakers are going to be a team to keep your eye on.

This article first appeared on The SportsRush and was syndicated with permission.

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