Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he has “no doubt” that Luka Doncic will keep the conditioning gains that reshaped the All-Star guard’s frame over the summer.
Redick’s remarks came after several offseason check-ins with the 26-year-old, including workouts in Las Vegas and an appearance at a Backstreet Boys concert. “This is his life, this is his routine, this is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself,” the coach told reporters. “His excitement level in embracing this new standard was very high.”
Fresh start after injury-plagued debut season in L.A.
Doncic arrived in Los Angeles last year nursing a calf injury and wrestling with overall conditioning problems. Despite those issues, he guided the Lakers to 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference before a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now slimmer and quicker, the former MVP finalist drew praise for his movement and defense while playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket. Redick expects that version to carry into the upcoming 82-game slate. “I expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job as a coach to bring that out on a daily basis,” he said.
Championship expectations in a crowded West
With the conference expected to be even tighter, Los Angeles is banking on Doncic’s revamped body to provide an edge in its push back to the NBA Finals. General manager Rob Pelinka has already highlighted the guard’s leadership and personality as key ingredients for a title run.
The Lakers open training camp later this month, where Doncic’s new regimen—and Redick’s confidence in it—will face their first sustained test.
Source: LakersNation.com
