Luka Doncic stats tonight: Slovenian superstar’s masterclass in vain, survives scare in loss vs. Latvia in EuroBasket exhibition game (Aug. 16)

While many basketball players are enjoying the offseason or gearing up for preseason camps, Luka Doncic, along with some other European players from the league, is fulfilling his international duties.

The Lakers star is representing Slovenia in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament. On Saturday, the Slovenian National Men's Basketball team took on Latvia in an exhibition game.

The Lakers star shone bright on the court with a transformed physical appearance as he led Slovenia to a 50-52 finish by halftime. He scored 26 points, collected four rebounds and provided five assists in the first two quarters.

Fans online were exhilarated with Doncic's performance on the international stage. They shared their reactions and bold predictions about the Lakers star on X, formerly Twitter.

"Luka will destroy the league next season. Less than 9 minutes in... Luka has 15 points," one fan tweeted.

Luka Updates

@LukaUpdates

Luka will destroy the league next season. Less than 9 minutes in... Luka has 15 points.

"Luka draining 2 threes in the first minute. One from almost half court..." another fan tweeted.

Iztok Franko

@iztok_franko

Luka draining 2 threes in the first minute. One from almost half court...

Since revealing his transformed physique to the fans during his contract extension's press conference earlier this month, Luka Doncic has been extremely focused on his goals.

At the end of the game, Kristapz Porzingis-led Latvia walked out with a 100-88 win as Slovenia fell short of their opponents. Doncic ended the night with the same stat line before halftime. Early in the third quarter, he was involved in a collision with his teammate, which saw him leave the game while walking gingerly.

Doncic's teammates were chasing a Latvian player during a fast break when he collided with his national team's star player. He landed straight on the Lakers' star knee as they both fell on the floor because of the collision.

Soon after Luka Doncic went to the locker room, Latvia subbed off Kristaps Porzingis. Saturday was the first international game between Doncic and Porzingis since their epic clash in the EuroBasket 2017 semi-final. Slovenia won that game with a final score of 103-97.

At the end of the game, Kristapz Porzingis-led Latvia walked out with a 100-88 win as Slovenia fell short of their opponents. Doncic ended the night with the same stat line before halftime. Early in the third quarter, he was involved in a collision with his teammate, which saw him leave the game while walking gingerly.

Doncic's teammates were chasing a Latvian player during a fast break when he collided with his national team's star player. He landed straight on the Lakers' star knee as they both fell on the floor because of the collision.

Soon after Luka Doncic went to the locker room, Latvia subbed off Kristaps Porzingis. Saturday was the first international game between Doncic and Porzingis since their epic clash in the EuroBasket 2017 semi-final. Slovenia won that game with a final score of 103-97.

What does Luka Doncic's injury mean for the Lakers?

Luka Doncic's injury made every Lakers fan's nightmare come true as they saw the future face of their beloved franchise collapse on the floor and writhe in pain after signing a $165 million extension earlier this month.

Fortunately for all the Lakers and Doncic fans, the injury does not seem to be serious. The Lakers star was seen returning to the sidelines with ice over his kneecaps as his national team suffered a bitter loss. Judging by Doncic's reemergence, the injury looks to be nothing more than a strain and for now the fans can only wait for official word from the Slovenian national team.

Doncic needs to be extra careful from now onwards and give some extra thought into his plays as he proceeds to play for his national team. Neither he nor LA can afford for him to get injured before the new NBA season begins.

Doncic has become an indispensable part of the purple and gold's future now and losing him early in the season or worse would be a big hit to the Lakers squad's morale.