Luka Doncic announces whether he will play for Slovenia this summer

Last season, after he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić received lots of criticism for being out of shape and his alleged lack of commitment to his health and fitness. He responded by dropping extra weight and getting into much better shape, and the result was an MVP-caliber season from him this year and his second NBA scoring title.

Now, with his Lakers having been swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic made a decision that could ultimately help him perform better next season by turning down an attractive opportunity this summer.

He posted on social media that he will not be playing for his native Slovenia this summer. He said he made this decision in order to spend time with his daughters.

"I love my daughters more than anything, and they will always come first in my life," Doncic wrote. "As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer. Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months.

"I have given everything to representing Slovenia and I am disappointed that I will not be able to play for my country this summer. But right now, my daughters and my responsibilities as a father are my priority."

Doncic briefly left the Lakers at midseason to travel to Europe and be present for the birth of his latest child. Later in the season, he separated from his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, and the two have been involved in a contentious battle for custody of their children. Even while that was going on in the background, Doncic was able to turn in a March to remember by averaging 37.5 points, eight rebounds and 7.4 assists while leading the Lakers to a 15-2 record during that month.