Luka Doncic’s Historic 50-Point Triple-Double Propels Mavericks to Victory — Full Highlights & Fan Reactions

Luka Dončić gave Los Angeles Lakers fans a scare Saturday night when the Slovenian star limped to the bench after a teammate fell into his right knee during a EuroBasket 2025 exhibition in Ljubljana. Initial reports from Slovenia’s basketball federation described the injury as a “right-knee contusion,” and early imaging revealed no structural damage, allowing Dončić to leave the arena without crutches or a brace. Slovenian head coach Aleksander Sekulić told reporters Dončić “wanted to re-enter” but was held out as a precaution. The Lakers, who signed the four-time All-NBA guard to a three-year, $165 million max extension last month, quickly released a statement confirming the diagnosis and emphasizing that further evaluation will be conducted once Dončić returns to Los Angeles. Team physicians expect him to resume basketball activities “within several days” if swelling subsides as projected. Saturday’s incident comes at a pivotal moment for both the Lakers and Slovenia. Dončić is the centerpiece of a revamped Lakers roster that added veteran 3-and-D wings and rim protection in free agency after last season’s second-round playoff exit. Head coach Darvin Ham has emphasized an up-tempo system built around Dončić’s elite pick-and-roll creation, and training camp opens in less than six weeks. Meanwhile, Slovenia are chasing their second continental crown after shocking Europe in 2017. Dončić averaged 31.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists in last summer’s qualifying window and currently tops EuroBasket’s pre-tournament MVP odds. An extended absence would dramatically reshape the competitive landscape, as Slovenia’s offense funnels almost 40 percent of its possessions through Dončić as primary initiator. Fantasy basketball managers also have reason to monitor the situation. Dončić finished last season as the NBA’s overall No. 3 rotisserie contributor and was the most-selected No. 1 pick in early 2025-26 mock drafts. If rehab lingers into October, managers drafting in September may need contingency plans. Early social-media reaction ranged from panic to relief after slow-motion replays of the collision circulated on X (formerly Twitter). Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who mentored Dončić during his rookie year, posted, “Looks like the kid will be fine—breathe, Lakers Nation.” The post garnered over 120,000 likes within two hours. Key dates to watch: • Aug 20-21: Follow-up MRI and Lakers medical update. • Aug 30: Slovenia’s EuroBasket opener vs. Greece. • Oct 5: Lakers open training camp in El Segundo. • Oct 24: NBA season opener vs. Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena. Search interest in “Luka Dončić injury” spiked 650 percent overnight, underscoring the global fascination with the 26-year-old phenom who has already compiled 14,228 career points and 56 triple-doubles. For now, the verdict is encouraging: Dončić appears on track to headline EuroBasket and lead the Lakers’ title push, but fans will anxiously await the next medical bulletin before exhaling fully.