Luka Dončić appears ready to roll into the coming NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, who underwent a body transformation over the summer, scored 30 points Sunday for Slovenia — in the first half.
Dončić, playing for his country in its EuroBasket Round of 16 game against Italy, finished with 42 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Slovenia led the game at halftime, 50-40, and held off Italy to win 84-77.
The victory set up a quarterfinal against Germany.
Dončić was 9 for 13 from the field in the first half, including five for five on 2-pointers and four for eight from 3. He also hit eight of nine free throw attempts.
No other Slovenia player had more than 4 points in the half.
Slovenia won the title in 2017 and reached the quarterfinals in 2022.
Dončić, who agree to an extension with the Lakers through 2028, was the leading scorer in the group stage of the tournament, averaging 32.4 points in Slovenia’s first five games before the start of the knockout round.
After last season’s early playoff exit against the Timberwolves, Dončić and the Lakers will open the NBA preseason Oct. 3 against the Suns. The Warriors will visit Los Angeles Oct. 21 to tipoff the regular season.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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