During Slovenia’s EuroBasket tune-up against Latvia in Riga on August 16, Luka Dončić gave spectators a heart-stopping moment after a dramatic collision with teammate Gregor Hrovat.

While locked in a battle for position under the basket, Hrovat lost his balance and fell backward into Dončić’s right knee. Dončić immediately sat out, favoring the leg and eventually limping to the locker room, a sight that sent ripples of concern through both the Slovenian squad and the Lakers fanbase.

The incident overshadowed a brilliant individual performance. Before his exit, Dončić had put up a dazzling stat line: 26 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in just 17 minutes.

His on-court dominance again signaled Slovenia’s ambitions for European glory, especially after Dončić’s high-profile offseason trade to the Lakers and notable physical transformation.

Diagnosis and Reassurance

Within hours, relief swept through social media and team headquarters: Dončić was diagnosed with a minor knee contusion—a bruise, not a structural injury. Slovenia’s basketball federation moved quickly to calm anxieties, announcing that Dončić would be able to return to practice at the start of the week.

Official updates confirmed that the injury posed no threat to Dončić’s participation in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, and that the star had insisted he was eager to get back on court, even lobbying to re-enter the game.

The timing of the scare made headlines. With Dončić recently signing a $165 million contract extension with the Lakers and entering EuroBasket as one of the game’s brightest talents, both NBA and international basketball followers feared wider implications.

Yet, there was no long-term damage, and Dončić will rejoin Slovenia’s preparations. The team faces Great Britain next, before opening EuroBasket play against Poland on August 28.

All Eyes on EuroBasket

Slovenia’s hopes for EuroBasket contendership remain high, with Dončić central to the challenge. His fiery competitiveness, improved fitness, and influential leadership have driven anticipation for a deep tournament run.

The brief injury scare ultimately became testament to both his resilience and critical importance to Slovenia’s ambitions.

With Dončić set to return, the immediate panic has given way to excitement. EuroBasket now awaits a fit and focused Luka, ready once again to light up the international stage.