Ahead of EuroBasket 2025, which tips off Aug. 27 and runs through Sept. 14, the Slovenian national team — led by Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic — faced Serbia in its final friendly on Thursday. Serbia, headlined by Denver Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, proved too much, cruising to a 106-72 victory.
Doncic came out strong with 11 points in the first quarter, but Serbia’s depth quickly took control. In 27 minutes, Doncic posted 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, though he was frequently swarmed by double teams and struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
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Jokic played just 21 minutes, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. The Serbian star didn’t press offensively, and he didn’t need to — Serbia led 91-56 entering the fourth quarter, allowing both Jokic and Doncic to rest down the stretch.
After the final buzzer, the two close friends shared a warm postgame moment, with Jokic holding his young daughter as he and Doncic exchanged smiles and words.
Check it out:
The postgame video quickly went viral on social media, racking up more than 200,000 views within the first hour and spreading across multiple platforms.
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Both Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are firmly established among the NBA’s elite. Doncic recently signed a long-term extension with the Lakers, solidifying his role as the franchise cornerstone. Jokic, meanwhile, holds a player option for the summer of 2027.
With the Nuggets falling short in back-to-back playoff runs — and Jokic declining a contract extension this offseason — questions have started to surface about his long-term future in Denver.
For the Lakers, Doncic is widely viewed as the future of the organization. By the time Jokic hits free agency, LeBron James’ contract will likely be off the books, potentially creating financial flexibility for Los Angeles.
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Given Doncic and Jokic’s close friendship, it’s not far-fetched to imagine speculation heating up about the two European stars joining forces in L.A. down the road.
Related: Where Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Ranks in NBA 2K26 Player Ratings
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.