Breaking News: Former Lakers player Vlade Divac broke his hip in a motorcycle accident in Montenegro and underwent emergency surgery. He is currently recovering in hospital.P1

Breaking News: Former Lakers Player Vlade Divac Breaks Hip in Motorcycle Accident in Montenegro, Undergoes Emergency Surgery

The basketball world was stunned on Thursday after reports confirmed that former Los Angeles Lakers center Vlade Divac was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident while traveling in Montenegro. The 57-year-old Hall of Fame inductee, widely regarded as one of the pioneers who helped open the NBA to European talent, sustained a broken hip and was rushed into emergency surgery. Officials at the hospital say Divac is now in stable condition and recovering.

According to local authorities, the accident occurred on a mountain road near the coastal town of Budva, a popular tourist destination on the Adriatic Sea. Witnesses reported that Divac lost control of his motorcycle on a sharp turn, skidding off the road before being thrown onto the pavement. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported him to a nearby medical facility, where surgeons operated immediately to repair the fracture.

Hospital representatives confirmed that the operation lasted several hours and was deemed a success. “Mr. Divac is currently in recovery following surgery on his hip,” said Dr. Marko Petrovic, head of the orthopedic team. “His condition is stable, and we are optimistic about his rehabilitation process. However, recovery from such an injury will take time, and he will remain under close observation for the coming days.”

News of the accident spread rapidly, sparking concern across the international basketball community. The Los Angeles Lakers organization issued a brief statement expressing support for their former player: “Vlade Divac will always be part of the Lakers family. We are relieved to hear he is recovering and wish him strength during his rehabilitation.” Similarly, the Sacramento Kings—where Divac spent the prime years of his NBA career—also shared messages of encouragement.

Divac’s influence on basketball extends far beyond his playing days. A native of Serbia, he became one of the first European stars to make a major impact in the NBA, joining the Lakers in 1989 after being drafted in the first round. Over the course of his 16-year career, he played for the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings, earning a reputation as a skilled passer, versatile center, and consummate teammate. He retired in 2005 with career averages of 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

After retiring, Divac remained active in the sport as an executive, serving as vice president of basketball operations and later general manager for the Sacramento Kings. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest international players to ever compete in the league.

In his homeland, Divac is also celebrated as a humanitarian. He has worked extensively with charitable organizations focused on helping refugees and disadvantaged children throughout the Balkans, making him one of the most respected sports figures in the region. For that reason, news of his accident hit particularly hard in Serbia and Montenegro, where fans and officials alike expressed concern and well-wishes.

Montenegro’s Basketball Federation released a statement saying: “Vlade Divac is not only a legend of the game but a symbol of resilience and generosity. Our thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers.” Social media in the Balkans was flooded with messages of support, with hashtags such as #PrayForVlade and #StayStrongDivac trending throughout the day.

While doctors remain confident in his recovery, the rehabilitation process for a broken hip is known to be lengthy, especially for older patients. Medical experts suggest that Divac will require months of physical therapy before he regains full mobility. Still, fans remain hopeful that the same determination and toughness that defined his basketball career will guide him through this difficult chapter.

For now, Divac rests in a Montenegro hospital, surrounded by medical staff and close family. His story, once again, captures the global basketball community—not for his trademark passing and leadership on the court, but for the resilience he now shows off it.