Few teams have kept a closer eye on EuroBasket preparation games than the Los Angeles Lakers. Franchise player Luka Doncic is back on the court with Slovenia, showcasing the improved fitness and conditioning that has fans around the NBA on the edge of their seats.
For as important as it may be to monitor the progress Doncic is making, the Lakers must not get too caught up in the EuroBasket success of another NBA player: Lauri Markkanen.
Markkanen is in the midst of a brilliant stretch of play. He's taken over for Finland, starting with a dominant 48-point showing against Belgium during which he reminded the Utah Jazz and those around the Association of why he was an All-Star in 2022-23.