Luka Doncic is back.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar returned to the hardwood after suffering a knee injury while representing Slovenia in preparation for the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.

Luka Doncic led Slovenia to a friendly win over Great Britain and one thing stood out
Getty

Doncic scored 28 points, dished out 10 assists and grabbed six rebounds in just 28 minutes of play.

Slovenia defeated Great Britain 93-81 in a friendly, while Lakers fans received an early look at what Doncic could be like for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

“This is beautiful,” one fan tweeted.

“We are so back,” a second fan posted.

“Just give us the MVP already and banner No. 18,” a third fan wrote.

While LeBron James practices his golf swing, a slimmed-down Doncic has displayed renewed focus on and off the hardwood.

“Let’s go! NBA on notice!” said a fan, after Doncic added three steals and a block in Slovenia’s win.

The 26-year-old guard is a five-time All-Star and was named the MVP of the 2023-24 Western Conference finals.

When healthy and motivated, Doncic is easily one of the best players in the NBA and he still hasn’t reached his prime.

But it got nasty between the Dallas Mavericks and Doncic when he was traded to the Lakers in a stunning blockbuster, and Doncic appears to be rejuvenated this offseason.

Getty
Doncic returned from a scary knee injury[/caption]
Getty
He’s working his way back into NBA shape for the new Lakers season[/caption]
Getty
Doncic and LeBron James will have a full year together in 2025-26 with Los Angeles[/caption]

He easily worked his way through the opposing defense in Slovenia’s recent win, and looked more like the franchise face who carried the Mavericks to the NBA Finals two seasons ago.

“Its Luka’s team now,” one fan tweeted.

Doncic was also praised for his defense, which had fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming Lakers season.

“When he (goes) full steam and 100 percent focus, he will be dropping 50 point triple-doubles, European championship and also NBA (title),” a fan wrote.

The Lakers went 50-32 last season and finished tied-for-third place in the West.

But Doncic didn’t finish the year strongly, and Los Angeles was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs 4-1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James is still The King of the NBA.

A healthy and active Doncic giving maximum effort on defense will make the Lakers much tougher in The Association this season.

“We’re getting Demon Luka,” a fan tweeted.

Doncic, James and the Lakers open their new year on October 21 vs Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.