Slovenia is reportedly preparing to welcome one of the most famous teams in world sport. Luka Dončić is expected to host the entire Los Angeles Lakers roster for a four-day offseason minicamp in his home country in August 2026.
The programme is set to combine basketball workouts with golf, sightseeing in Ljubljana and team-bonding activities ahead of the official 2026/27 NBA training camp.
The news of the Lakers in Slovenia has generated enormous interest among basketball fans. But are the Lakers playing a game in Ljubljana, when exactly will they arrive and will supporters be able to watch them? Here is everything currently known.
Are the Los Angeles Lakers really coming to Slovenia?
Yes, according to a report attributed to a source close to the team.
ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin reported on 29 July that Dončić would host the entire Lakers roster in Slovenia for four days in August. The itinerary is expected to include workouts, golf, Ljubljana sightseeing and opportunities for the players to build stronger relationships.
The report means that the story about the Los Angeles Lakers in Slovenia is more than an unverified social-media rumour. However, the Lakers have not yet released a detailed official announcement confirming the dates, training locations or names of all participating players.
Why is Luka Dončić bringing the Lakers to Slovenia?
The Luka Doncic Lakers minicamp is a clear indication of Dončić’s growing leadership role within the franchise. The gathering is designed not only to improve the team’s fitness and on-court understanding, but also to help players connect before the pressure of the official season begins.
Player-organised offseason camps are not unusual in the NBA. Leading players often bring their teammates together for informal workouts and bonding activities before the official training camp.
For Dončić, Slovenia is a natural choice. He was born in Ljubljana, began his basketball development with Olimpija and remains closely connected to his home country despite becoming a global superstar.
Read more about his journey in our profile of Luka Dončić and his rise to international basketball stardom.
What will the Lakers do in Slovenia?
The proposed Lakers minicamp in Slovenia is expected to combine serious preparation with a relaxed introduction to Dončić’s homeland.
The itinerary reportedly includes:
- several basketball workouts;
- a round or session of golf;
- sightseeing in Ljubljana;
- shared meals and informal gatherings;
- team-building activities;
- preparation for the official NBA training camp.
The location of the basketball sessions has not been announced. Although Arena Stožice is being widely discussed by fans, there is currently no confirmation that the Lakers will train there.
Slovenia also has several excellent golf courses within easy reach of Ljubljana and in the Alpine region. Discover some of the possible options in our guide to the top golf courses in Slovenia.
Will the Lakers play a game in Slovenia?
No public or exhibition game has been announced.
The excitement surrounding Lakers Slovenia 2026 has naturally led to speculation about a potential game at Arena Stožice. However, there is currently no evidence of an NBA exhibition game, open training session or ticketed event taking place in Slovenia.
The Lakers’ official 2026/27 preseason schedule lists five games in the United States between 5 and 16 October. Slovenia is not included in that schedule.
The August gathering should therefore be understood as a private, player-organised minicamp rather than an official NBA preseason event.
If a public game, open workout or fan event is later announced, this article will be updated.
Which Lakers players are coming to Slovenia?
The original report states that the entire roster has been invited, including players on two-way contracts. A confirmed list of travellers has not yet been published.
“Entire roster” does not necessarily guarantee that every player will attend. Injuries, contract negotiations, personal commitments and individual training schedules may affect the final travelling group.
The safest conclusion is that Luka Doncic Slovenia is leading the initiative, while the full list of participating players may not become clear until shortly before the visit.
When will the Lakers arrive in Ljubljana?
At present, only the month has been reported: Lakers August 2026. The precise dates of the four-day visit have not been made public.
It has also not been confirmed whether the team will stay in Ljubljana or hold all its workouts in the capital. McMenamin’s report specifically mentions Ljubljana tourism, so at least part of the programme is expected to take place in the city.
Ljubljana offers privacy, modern sports infrastructure and quick access to golf courses, Alpine scenery and Slovenia’s most famous attractions. For international media, the visit will also provide an opportunity to introduce Dončić’s birthplace to a huge global audience.
Discover the capital with our guide to the top things to do in Ljubljana.
Can fans see the Lakers in Slovenia?
There is currently no information about a public appearance, ticket sales or an open practice. The NBA stars in Ljubljana are expected to follow a largely private programme.
Fans should avoid waiting outside hotels, private training venues or other unconfirmed locations. If a public appearance is arranged, information will most likely be published through the official channels of the Lakers, Luka Dončić, the City of Ljubljana or Slovenian basketball organisations.
Supporters should also be cautious about unofficial ticket offers. No public Lakers event in Slovenia is currently on sale.
Why the Lakers’ visit matters for Slovenia
The Lakers trip to Slovenia is far more significant than a normal offseason gathering. One of the world’s most recognisable sporting organisations is travelling to a small European country because of a Slovenian player.
The visit could generate:
- major coverage of Slovenia in American and international media;
- global promotion of Ljubljana;
- greater interest in Slovenia among NBA supporters;
- increased recognition of Dončić as an ambassador for his country;
- promotion of Slovenia’s basketball culture;
- international exposure for local tourism, food and golf.
Posts shared by the players could potentially introduce Ljubljana and Slovenia to millions of followers around the world.
Dončić is shaping the Lakers’ next chapter
Organising the minicamp suggests that Dončić intends to lead the Lakers beyond his performances on the court. By welcoming his teammates to Slovenia, he is inviting them into an important part of his own story.
The basketball sessions will matter, but the time spent travelling, eating, sightseeing and relaxing together could prove equally valuable. Strong teams are rarely built through tactics alone.
When the new NBA season begins, the four days spent in Slovenia may be remembered as one of the first important moments in a new Lakers era shaped by Luka Dončić.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Lakers coming to Slovenia in 2026?
According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, Luka Dončić will host the Los Angeles Lakers roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August 2026.
When are the Lakers coming to Slovenia?
Only August 2026 has been reported. Exact dates have not yet been released.
Will the Lakers play at Arena Stožice?
No game or open practice at Arena Stožice has been announced. Claims naming a specific venue currently remain speculation.
Can fans buy tickets?
No. There is currently no confirmed public event and therefore no official ticket sale.
What will the Lakers do in Slovenia?
The itinerary is expected to include basketball workouts, golf, Ljubljana sightseeing and team-bonding activities.
Which Lakers players will attend?
The entire roster has reportedly been invited, but a final list of participating players has not been published.
Where will the Lakers train?
The training venue has not been disclosed.
How can fans follow updates?
Follow the official Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Dončić channels, as well as The Slovenia. This article will be updated when dates, venues or public activities are announced.
