On May 8, 2025, the Slovenian basketball community and global fans were abuzz with the retirement announcement of Luka Rupnik, a prominent Slovenian basketball player. In an emotional social media post, Rupnik mentioned his teammate and close friend Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers star, leading some to mistakenly believe that Doncic was the one retiring. This incident sparked widespread discussion and drew significant attention from fans.
Luka Rupnik Announces Retirement
Luka Rupnik, who played alongside Luka Doncic on the Slovenian national team, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his basketball career. He wrote: “Wearing the Slovenian national team jersey for nearly two decades has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing my country at the Olympic stage, with Slovenia on my chest, is something I will always be proud of.” In the post, Rupnik specifically thanked his teammates, including Luka Doncic, calling him one of his two closest friends. He added: “Luka, watching your rise and growth to the pinnacle of world basketball has been incredible… And the best is still ahead.”
The post quickly gained traction, but some fans misinterpreted it, thinking that Luka Doncic, not Rupnik, was retiring. One user on X even asked: “Did Luka Doncic just announce his retirement, or am I missing something? #Lakeshow.”
Luka Doncic’s Reaction
Amid the growing confusion, Luka Doncic swiftly responded to Rupnik’s post on Instagram by leaving a few heart emojis in the comments. This simple gesture not only showed his support and deep friendship but also subtly clarified that he was not the one retiring, putting an end to the false rumors.
Doncic’s response, though brief, sent shockwaves through the fan community. Many expressed their emotions over the strong bond between the two Slovenian players, while others humorously commented on the initial misunderstanding. One fan wrote on X: “Love seeing Luka support his friend, but please, no more retirement scares like that!”
Luka Doncic and His Journey with the Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic, who recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade, remains a focal point in the NBA. Averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, he has proven his worth on the court. However, the Lakers’ season ended early after a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Against this backdrop, Rupnik’s post and Doncic’s reaction provided a heartwarming moment amidst the pressures and controversies of their careers. The friendship between the two Lukas not only highlights the unity within the Slovenian national team but also serves as an inspiring story of mutual support in sports.
Conclusion
The confusion surrounding Luka Rupnik’s retirement announcement inadvertently underscored the beautiful friendship between him and Luka Doncic. Doncic’s simple yet meaningful reaction eased fans’ concerns and confirmed that he will continue to shine in the NBA. As Rupnik prepares for the next chapter of his life, Doncic and the Lakers are aiming for bigger goals in the upcoming season. This story serves as a reminder that, whether at the peak of success or in moments of farewell, friendship and respect remain the core values of sports.