Luka Doncic will now return to the Los Angeles Lakers to prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar was away representing Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket. Despite Luka Doncic’s best efforts, Slovenia was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Doncic’s campaign ended following a heartbreaking 99-91 loss at the hands of the German basketball team. The Lakers star bluntly blamed poor officiating for the knockout.
Even after a quarter-final exit, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George remains massively impressed by Doncic’s performance.
Over the years, the NBA has had its fair share of overseas stars dominate the league. But what about the GOAT international player?
Most will pick the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, or Tony Parker, but George believes that when it’s all said and done, Doncic will surpass their basketball legacies.
“We’re talking about the biggest international player now. That’s surpassing GOATs, you know what I mean? That’s surpassing Dirk. That’s surpassing Tony Parker. That’s surpassing Hakeem.
“He’s got the chance to be the biggest international guy,” Paul George said on the Podcast P.
George made these comments in light of Doncic’s phenomenal EuroBasket campaign, where he averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game for Slovenia.
At 26 years old, Doncic is just entering the prime of his career. It’s insane to think that the Lakers star already has 5x All-Star and 5x All-NBA selections amid other accolades.
But what separates Doncic from his peers? George believes it’s due to his killer instinct.
“I mean, he’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is way older than what he is. He’s tough, man. He’s a problem. Big fan of Luka. He’s a cold killer,” George added.
Has Luka cemented himself as the best international hooper?
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) September 11, 2025
His #EuroBasket run had us thinking where he ranks all-time pic.twitter.com/tr3yGc09kX
While George praised Doncic, the 76ers star’s statement could also be perceived as a subtle shot at Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.
After all, the Joker is already a 3x NBA MVP and won the 2023 NBA Championship, which puts him ahead of Doncic, at least for now.
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