NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Hornets, Sion James, Mavericks

Lakers

While the Lakers’ ownership situation continues to resemble an episode of Succession, Luka Doncic is taking care of some team business of his own.

Doncic is bringing nearly the entire Lakers roster to his native Slovenia for a five-day team-bonding trip, and ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne offered some new details during an appearance on ESPN LA 710.

Doncic has chartered a plane for 14 people, complete with gift bags for the trip, with more gifts apparently waiting when the Lakers arrive. The itinerary includes dinner at one of Doncic’s favorite restaurants, fishing at Lake Bled and, apparently, some golf.

“It’s like a bachelorette trip,” Shelburne joked, via Ryan Ward of SI.

Austin Reaves has already indicated he’s looking forward to getting Doncic on the golf course, while Sandro Mamukelashvili is expected to meet the group overseas.

One Laker who won’t be there is rookie Cameron Carr, though his absence has nothing to do with the team. Carr is required to attend the NBA’s rookie orientation, which conflicts with the Slovenia trip.

The getaway comes at an interesting time for the Lakers, given the ongoing ownership transition and Buss family dispute. Whatever is happening upstairs, Doncic clearly appears interested in building chemistry with the group he’ll take onto the floor this season.

Hornets

The Hornets look considerably different these days, and second-year guard Sion James admitted the changes have taken some getting used to.

During an appearance on the Numbers On The Board podcast, James discussed Charlotte moving on from LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Josh Green.

“It was definitely a shock to the system because LaMelo Ball, JG, Miles Bridges, those are our guys,” James said, via Schuyler Callihan of Hornets on SI. “We love being around those dudes, man.”

James said seeing their lockers cleaned out made the reality of the NBA business hit a little harder.

“It’s different,” he said. “Those are the guys, but it’s the nature of the business.”

Charlotte has since brought in a collection of veterans that includes Naz Reid, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. James said the returning Hornets trust president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson and are excited about the newcomers.

“We’re happy to have them,” James said.

Mavericks

Tarik Biberovic waited three years after being drafted to make the jump to the NBA. Now that he’s finally coming, he doesn’t sound interested in merely enjoying the experience.

The Mavericks acquired Biberovic’s draft rights in the Santi Aldama trade before signing the 25-year-old sharpshooter to a two-year, $6 million contract, with a team option in Year 2.

“This was my dream, and I am happy that I have finally been able to achieve it,” Biberovic told Anadolu Agency, via Eurohoops. “I am reaching the highest point of my career, but this is not the end. It is the beginning.”

Originally selected by Memphis with the No. 56 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Biberovic remained with Fenerbahce and developed into one of Europe’s more reliable perimeter shooters. He shot better than 40 percent from beyond the arc in five of his past six seasons.

That skill could give him an immediate opportunity in Dallas, particularly with Klay Thompson’s future still unsettled.

“I will start from scratch, work my way up step by step, and fight for everything,” Biberovic said. “I want to earn as many minutes as possible, show my ability, and become one of the team’s most reliable players.”