Los Angeles Lakers Focus on Fitness
In a bid to regain their championship aspirations, the Los Angeles Lakers, headed by coach JJ Redick, have been vocal about the need for improved fitness among their players following a disappointing playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves last May. At a recent end-of-season press briefing, Redick emphasized the importance of getting players into “championship shape” to achieve their title goals.
Luka Dončić’s Offseason Transformation
One player who seems to have taken this directive seriously is star guard Luka Dončić. As reported by Dan Woike from The Athletic, Dončić has made significant strides in his offseason training, reportedly shedding a notable amount of weight. Sources indicate that he has been highly dedicated to enhancing his physical condition, prioritizing a strict diet and targeted cardio routine over typical on-court drills.
This summer marked a notable change for the guard, as he reportedly took a full month away from traditional basketball practice to concentrate on improving his physical fitness. Recently released photos show a visibly slimmer Dončić, who is now participating in workouts with the Slovenian national team in preparation for the nearing EuroBasket tournament.
Impact on Lakers and Future Prospects
This positive development will likely be welcomed by Lakers supporters, as concerns about Dončić’s conditioning have lingered throughout his career, potentially influencing the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade him to Los Angeles. Despite enjoying an impressive career—evident in his averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over seven NBA seasons, along with five All-Star selections and multiple MVP votes—critics have speculated that a better physical state could elevate his remarkable performance even higher.
Contrary to the narrative that his conditioning may have played a role in the Lakers’ swift playoff departure, Dončić showcased his talent during the postseason. He maintained similar performance levels from the regular season, improving his statistics to an impressive 30.2 points per game in the playoffs, along with notable endurance, averaging over 41 minutes of play each game.
This increased playing time in crucial matchups included a Game 4 loss where Redick opted to keep his starters on the floor for the entirety of the second half.
Initially, Redick’s comments about the need for players to reach “championship shape” were interpreted by some as a subtle critique aimed at Dončić. However, reports suggest that the young star has responded remarkably well, indicating a readiness to embrace his offseason training and come back for the upcoming season in peak physical condition. Should Dončić sustain this motivation and continue to improve his fitness, the challenges he poses on the court could significantly escalate for rival teams in the coming season.
