Career: Slovan Ljubljana (Slovenia-Division 1A, 1997-2001), Krka (Slovenia-Division 1A, 2001-02), Panathinaikos (Greece-ESAKE, 2002-06), AXA F.C. Barcelona (2006-07)
On the 18th of October 2001 at the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, Krka Novo Mesta lost the game but Jaka Lakovic won the respect of everyone, scoring 55 points in one of the greatest performances in Euroleague history. A new European star was born but at 1.86 m, he is not exactly the typical specimen of the former Yugoslav basketball school. Still, one of the greatest coaches of this school, Željko Obradović, recognised his talent and brought him to Panathinaikos where he played three excellent seasons. With him, Sani Bečirovič and Beno Udrih, the Slovenia had a “dream backcourt” at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, but failed to get past the first elimination game in the round of 16. Since it is questionable whether Bečirovič will join the squad for EuroBasket 2007, Slovenia will need Lakovic at his best in Spain. He will feel at home in Spain and will be playing with something to prove after struggling in his first season with FC Barcelona.
