Luka to pay for funerals from Belgrade shooting

After the mass school shooting that included the murder of eight children and a security guard at a Belgrade elementary school, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has committed to pay for the funeral services and grief counseling for classmates and staff, a spokesperson for the Luka Doncic Foundation told ESPN on Thursday.

Doncic has deep family ties to the Serbian capital's region, including a grandmother, aunt, uncle and teenage cousin who lives in the region. His father, Sasha, is a native of Serbia.

Doncic reached out to make a commitment for short-term aid in the mass shooting and plans to commit to be part of whatever long-term assistance that arises out of deadly shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school on Wednesday. Doncic -- a native of Slovenia -- is expected to welcome involvement from other NBA players Balkans roots to help in the tragedy's aftermath.

"I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent school children," Doncic said in a statement. "My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy."

"Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available."