Luka Doncic arrived at Los Angeles Lakers Media Day on Sept. 29 looking noticeably lighter and saying the extra work he put in this summer is already paying dividends on the court.
“Fatigue is the biggest thing for me,” the All-NBA guard told reporters, explaining that during the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament he felt “way less tired” and “a little quicker” than in previous years.
EuroBasket showing underscores change
Representing Slovenia in August, Doncic was widely viewed as one of EuroBasket 2025’s top performers. He guided his national team to the quarterfinals, nearly toppling eventual champion Germany, while leading the entire event in steals. Beyond the statistics, he said the enhanced stamina allowed him to maintain energy on both ends of the floor.
Minutes load a constant challenge
Doncic has averaged more than 35 minutes per game in each of the past four NBA seasons and has routinely topped 40 minutes in the playoffs, including the Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 Finals run. With the Lakers counting on him in crunch time this year, improved conditioning could prove critical late in games and on the defensive end, where Los Angeles hopes the 26-year-old can generate more turnovers.
Redick confident transformation will last
First-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his star’s commitment to sustaining the new fitness level. “This is his life, this is his routine, this is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself,” Redick said, adding that Doncic’s enthusiasm for the regimen has remained high throughout the offseason.
The Lakers open training camp this week with expectations that Doncic’s slimmer frame and renewed endurance will translate into a strong start to his first full season in purple and gold.
Source: Lakers Nation
