In the quarterfinals of the 2025 European Basketball Championship, two NBA superstars, Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, put on a near-insane performance, proclaiming their dominance in international basketball to the world. Dončić's Slovenia defeated Italy 84-77, while Antetokounmpo's Greece eliminated Israel 84-79. The two stars, with impressive performances of 42 points and 10 rebounds and 37 points and 10 rebounds respectively, showcased their unparalleled individual abilities. Even more remarkable is that these two superstars, now in their prime, are likely to continue dominating the NBA landscape for the next five years, and the Lakers' trade for Dončić now looks like a truly lucrative acquisition.

Dončić: The Absolute Leader Leading the Team as a Single Core
When Dončić exploded for 22 points in the first quarter—more than the entire Italian team scored in the first quarter—basketball fans around the world realized this would be his one-man show. Ultimately, the Slovenian magician played a total of 33 minutes and 17 seconds, shooting 11-for-19 from the field, 5-for-11 from three-point range, and 15-for-16 from the free throw line, resulting in a superb double-double of 42 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals. His 42 points not only accounted for half of Slovenia's total points, but also set a new single-game scoring record for this European Championship.
The game fully demonstrated Dončić's ability to lead a team as a "single core." He scored twice as many points as the entire Italian team in the first quarter. In the second quarter, when Italy opened up the game with five three-pointers, closing the gap to 7 points, Dončić maintained the lead with his passing and scoring. In the final quarter, when Italy launched a 12-0 run to close the gap to just one point, Dončić again sealed the victory with consecutive free throws. Even more astonishing, Dončić accomplished all this despite his teammates' subpar performance—either unable to hold onto the ball or being out of position. Even then, he'd just catch and shoot. He'd watch double-teamed, only to see him get double-teamed, only to spurn the ball even when it was within his grasp. This ability to win with "superb teammates" is Dončić's most formidable quality.

The media lavished praise on Dončić's performance. Headlines like "Absolutely a core player! Dončić scores a super double-double of 42 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals, leading his team to the quarterfinals of the EuroBasket" and "His individual scoring is twice that of the entire Italian team! Dončić scored 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals on 7-of-10 shooting in the first quarter" speak for themselves. So far in this EuroBasket, Dončić has played in six games, averaging 34 points, which ranks first, along with 8.3 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 3.2 steals. He leads the tournament in points, steals, and free throws (13.8 free throws attempted), and is second in assists. This performance has silenced those who question his stats.

Antetokounmpo: An Incredibly Efficient Inside Monster
Echoing Dončić, Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed breathtaking efficiency against Israel. In 29 minutes, he shot 18-for-23 from the field, 0-for-2 from three-point range, and 1-for-2 from the free throw line, racking up 37 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. A 72.5% field goal percentage is incredible in FIBA competition, especially given the intensity and density of the inside game. The entire game also showcased Antetokounmpo's dominance. He scored 21 points in the first half, giving Greece a 50-41 lead. Israel narrowed the gap to just two points in the second half, but Antetokounmpo and Sloukas combined for a 7-1 run to end the third quarter. In the final quarter, as Israel launched a comeback, it was Antetokounmpo again who connected on a brilliant alley-oop pass from Dorsey, effectively ending the game in a suspenseful manner. Official European Championship media described Antetokounmpo as "demigod," stating, "I believe it."

So far in this European Championship, Antetokounmpo has played in four games, averaging 30 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 28.8 minutes per game, with an astonishing 72.5% shooting percentage. On the FIBA court, Antetokounmpo's physical advantage is magnified. Even with no defensive three seconds and a crowded paint, this poses no problem for him. He repeatedly drives with the ball, overcoming defenses, leaving opponents with nothing to do but foul or watch him put the ball in the basket. This dominance has made Greece the favorite to win this European Championship.

Lakers Trade Dončić: A League-Changing Move

While Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo were shimmering on the international stage, the NBA landscape was also quietly shifting. The Lakers' acquisition of Dončić, in particular, now appears to have been a truly lucrative acquisition. Dončić reportedly expected to spend his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, so the suddenness of the trade came as a huge shock. Initially, Dončić expressed frustration, with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss remarking she had never seen a player so devastated after being traded to the Lakers. However, over time, Dončić gradually adapted and viewed the trade as a new opportunity in his career.

In his first season with the Lakers, Dončić delivered a stunning performance, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, seamlessly integrating into the Lakers' system. His partnership with LeBron James has revitalized the Lakers, and the dynamics of their two-star system have unlocked boundless potential. Dončić's contract extension announcement conveys his loyalty and conviction. He views the Lakers as his professional marriage and hopes to lead them back to the top through their marketing influence, championship culture, and support from management. Even more exciting, Lakers management has promised to quickly bring Dončić another All-Star teammate. Their next target is likely Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. If this happens, Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo would form a premier duo in the league, reviving the Lakers' legendary "super guard + dominant big man" duo. Throughout the Lakers' history, their most successful seasons have almost always been driven by two stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, and then Kobe and Gasol. Now that the Lakers have Dončić, they lack a star center. Antetokounmpo is the superstar piece the Lakers crave.

NBA Domination Over the Next Five Years
Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo's performances at the EuroBasket foreshadow the dominance of the NBA over the next five years. These two superstars, now in their prime, are likely to succeed the aging LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the new faces of the league. Dončić's strengths lie in his comprehensive skills and overall vision. Behind his 42 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals lies his unparalleled basketball IQ and game control. Even when his teammates struggle, he can lead his team to victory through his individual skill. This skill also applies to the NBA, as evidenced by his leading the Mavericks to the Finals last season. Joining the Lakers, Dončić is expected to play a greater role in a more mature system, especially if he can team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo's strengths lie in his unparalleled physicality and efficiency. His performance of 37 points and 10 rebounds on 18-of-23 shooting showcased his absolute dominance in the paint. In the NBA, Antetokounmpo has won two MVP awards, a championship, and a Finals MVP. If he joins the Lakers and forms a core duo with Dončić, the Lakers will have one of the most formidable duos in the league. More importantly, Antetokounmpo is only 30, and Dončić is 26, both in the prime of their careers. From the team's perspective, the Lakers' trade for Dončić has already proven valuable. Dončić not only excels individually, but also enhances the team's overall competitiveness. If the Lakers can successfully acquire Antetokounmpo, they will have the most dominant core in the NBA for the next five years. This possibility excites Lakers fans and intimidates other teams.

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