Johnson played nine years in the NBA, primarily with the Clippers and Lakers. He was the fourth-overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, as he was named First Team All-American with the Syracuse Orange in his final collegiate season.

It can be a delicate dance, when it comes to NBA teams employing international players, because most of those players feel a strong loyalty to their national teams and an obligation to don their jerseys whenever asked.

Before the NBA season begins, Luka Doncic will be leading his native Slovenia as they participate in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament. Doncic will be one of many NBA stars taking part in the tournament, including Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Lakers’ superstar has high goals for his squad, wanting to walk away with a medal.