NBA Icon Vlade Divac Hospitalized: A Sports World Holds Its Breath After Frightening Motorcycle Crash
The global basketball community has been shaken by news out of Montenegro, where NBA legend Vlade Divac was reportedly involved in a serious motorcycle accident on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The towering former Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings star, celebrated for his trailblazing career and indelible mark on the sport, underwent emergency surgery for a fractured hip, sending ripples of concern across the league and among his countless fans.
According to hospital officials in Risan, Montenegro, the 57-year-old Divac was immediately transported to a medical facility following the incident, which occurred near the Adriatic Sea coast. Doctors confirmed a hip fracture, necessitating the implantation of an artificial hip. A spokeswoman for the hospital, Ljubica Mitrovic, stated that Divac is in “stable general and physical condition” and remains under careful supervision. While the specific circumstances of the accident are still emerging, the immediate focus remains on the recovery of one of basketball’s most beloved figures.
A Pioneer’s Enduring Legacy
Vlade Divac’s journey in professional basketball is nothing short of legendary. Drafted 26th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 NBA Draft, Divac was a pioneer, part of the initial wave of European talents who fundamentally reshaped the league. At 7-foot-1, he wasn’t just a physical presence; his exceptional passing ability, court vision, and finesse with the ball defied conventional expectations for centers of his era. He was often credited with introducing the “flop” to the NBA, a theatrical fall designed to draw offensive fouls, adding to his unique on-court persona.
His first stint with the Lakers saw him play a crucial role, including a memorable run to the 1991 NBA Finals. However, it was perhaps his time with the Sacramento Kings that truly cemented his status as an NBA icon. From 1999 to 2004, Divac led a Kings team that became synonymous with exciting, free-flowing basketball. Alongside Chris Webber, Peja Stojaković, and Mike Bibby, Divac’s Sacramento Kings were a genuine championship contender, captivating audiences with their up-tempo style and camaraderie. His unselfish play and leadership were instrumental in that team’s success, making him an NBA All-Star in 2001.
Beyond the Hardwood: A Humanitarian and Executive
Divac’s impact extends far beyond his playing days. After retiring in 2005, he returned to the Lakers for a brief second tenure before transitioning into front-office roles. He notably served as the general manager of the Sacramento Kings from 2015 to 2020, continuing his dedication to the franchise he helped elevate.
Furthermore, Divac is a renowned humanitarian. His tireless work through various charitable organizations, particularly in his native Serbia and across Africa, has earned him widespread admiration and recognition, including an induction into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2013. He also served two terms as the president of the Serbian Olympic Committee, showcasing his commitment to sports administration and national pride.
In 2019, Vlade Divac received the ultimate honor, being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated not only his individual brilliance but also his profound influence on the globalization of basketball, opening doors for countless international players who followed in his footsteps.
Awaiting Full Recovery
The news of this scary motorcycle accident serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, even for those who have navigated the intense pressures of professional sports at the highest level. As the basketball world sends its well wishes, all eyes are on Vlade Divac’s recovery. His strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit have defined his career, and there’s little doubt he’ll approach this new challenge with the same determination that made him a legend. Fans, former teammates, and rivals alike are hoping for a swift and complete return to health for this true basketball luminary.
