One of many issues that Luka Doncic's minicamp for his s teammates allowed them to do is go to and discover Doncic's native nation of Slovenia. Exterior of basketball and coaching, a number of actions had been deliberate, together with golf, a bicycle race and a rowing session on Lake Bled.
Ahead Jarred Vanderbilt apparently favored his expertise in Slovenia. In truth, he e that he want to go to the nation once more.
“I might like to [return],” Vanderbilt stated. “Not gonna lie, I didn’t know a lot about it earlier than I got here right here, however it’s undoubtedly a spot I’ll revisit.”
In truth, Vanderbilt stated he desires to acquire a passport.
“I used to be seeking to get my Slovenian passport,” he stated. “So we’ll see. Is perhaps half Slovenian.”
This led to fast hypothesis that maybe he’ll wish to play for Slovenia's nationwide basketball staff. It’s seeking to take part in subsequent yr's FIBA World Cup, and whereas the qualifying video games are about to be held, Doncic determined to t in them.
However it’s possible that Vanderbilt was not less than partly joking, though there’s a precedent for one in every of Doncic's teammates really doing what Vanderbilt stated he desires to do.
Jaxson Hayes, a backup heart for the Lakers throughout the previous three seasons earlier than he signed with the Utah Jazz, had the identical want to acquire a passport that Vanderbilt talked about. He ultimately did so and had the intention of enjoying for the Slovenian nationwide staff.
Vanderbilt, 27, was initially acquired by the Lakers in February 2023 as a part of the staff that despatched out Russell Westbrook. At first, he turned a fan favourite due to his energetic, defensive-minded play, however his enjoying time has decreased ever since resulting from harm and his lack of offensive expertise.
Final season, he discovered himself being shuffled out and in of coach JJ Redick's common rotation. It stays to be seen if he’ll get extra constant enjoying time this coming season, particularly since Los Angeles has a gap on the huge ahead place.
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