Luka Doncic will not represent Slovenia at the upcoming FIBA World Cup, but the reason behind the decision has nothing to do with basketball injuries or conditioning concerns.
The LA Lakers superstar released an emotional statement explaining why he has decided to step away from national team duties this summer, making it clear that family responsibilities are now taking priority over everything else.
For Doncic, the choice was deeply personal and incredibly difficult.
Luka Doncic explains why he will miss the FIBA World Cup
As shared via The Stein Line on X, Doncic confirmed that he will not suit up for Slovenia this summer.
“I love my daughters more than anything, and they will always come first in my life,” Doncic said. “As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer.”
He added, “Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months.”
The statement immediately shifted attention away from speculation surrounding his health or offseason recovery, with Doncic instead revealing that the decision centers around an ongoing custody situation involving his daughters.
It also highlighted the emotional toll the situation has had on him away from basketball.
Luka Doncic says family responsibilities now take priority over Slovenia duty
Doncic continued his message by acknowledging how painful it was to step away from representing Slovenia.
“I have given everything to representing Slovenia and I am disappointed that I will not be able to play for my country this summer.
“But right now, my daughters and my responsibilities as a father are my priority,” Doncic further stated.
The absence marks a significant blow for Slovenia heading into the tournament, considering Doncic has long been the centerpiece of the national team and one of the biggest stars in international basketball.
Since leading Slovenia to EuroBasket glory in 2017, he has consistently prioritized playing for his country whenever healthy enough to do so.
Reports surrounding the situation indicate that Slovenia Basketball Federation officials were informed of the decision well in advance and remain supportive of Doncic’s choice given the personal circumstances involved.
The timing also comes after an exhausting NBA season that included injuries, constant scrutiny, and heavy workloads throughout the year, though those factors were not presented as the reason for his withdrawal.
Instead, Doncic made it clear himself that what matters most right now is his daughters.
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