ESPN Insider Exposed After Spreading False News on Luka Doncic’s Visit to Spain: “Completely Wrong”

TL;DR

ESPN's Brian Windhorst faced backlash for incorrectly suggesting Luka Doncic's trip to Spain was not for medical reasons. Another insider had to clarify that Doncic's travel was indeed related to his recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring injury.

Key points

Brian Windhorst made controversial comments about Luka Doncic's trip.
Windhorst suggested the trip was not for medical reasons.
Doncic is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring injury.
Another insider had to fact-check Windhorst's claims.
Doncic has personal ties to Spain and Slovenia.

Mentioned in this story

ESPN

Luka Doncic

Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images ©Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Another day, another time Brian Windhorst has talked himself into the crosshairs of NBA media and fans alike. Once more, it’s about broaching the Luka Doncic subject too. Fans already perceive an inherent bias towards the Los Angeles Lakers guard by Windy. Yet even when Doncic’s sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring injury, his update sounds like he’s not satisfied with what Luka’s doing to get back to the court. So when Windy commented on Doncic’s recent trip to Spain, another insider had to fact check him.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Windhorst suggested that Doncic’s travel to Spain was not primarily for medical reasons, hinting instead that the Lakers sent him overseas because his grade 2 hamstring injury was so severe that he “wouldn’t be doing anything for a few weeks anyway.”

“I’m a big actions-over-words guy. When Luka got hurt, they sent him to Spain for treatment. You hear about Germany, but not Spain,” Windhorst said, skeptically questioning the medical legitimacy of the trip. He went on to heavily imply that the journey was largely personal: “Luka also has a newborn in Slovenia, and he lives in Madrid in the offseason. I’m not saying anything specific, but sending him overseas didn’t indicate a minor injury.”

These claims were quickly dismantled by local podcaster Matej Petek, who called out the ESPN insider on social media, writing: “Luka doesn’t live in Madrid in the offseason and Spain is well known for their stem cell/PRP treatments. Windhorst is completely wrong here. Not the first time for him when it comes to Luka.”

Q&A

What did Brian Windhorst say about Luka Doncic's trip to Spain?

Brian Windhorst claimed that Luka Doncic's trip to Spain was not primarily for medical reasons and implied it was more personal.

Why was Brian Windhorst criticized for his comments on Luka Doncic?

He was criticized for spreading false information about Doncic's injury and the purpose of his trip to Spain, which another insider had to fact-check.

What is Luka Doncic's injury status?

Luka Doncic is currently sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring injury, which has raised concerns about his recovery process.

Where does Luka Doncic live during the offseason?

Luka Doncic lives in Madrid during the offseason, and he also has a newborn in Slovenia.