“He (Dončić) looks fantastic and with everything that’s happened in the past year, it’s a challenge for him” said Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan recently. After all the criticism Luka Dončić received about his weight in the previous NBA season, including the rumor that his unhealthy habits caused Nico Harrison to trade him, the Slovenian went into a different mode. Today, he stands as a person who has lost around 30 pounds over the last few months, made it to the cover of ‘Men’s Health’ magazine as ‘Luka Dončić 2.0’, and raised expectations for what he can achieve in the upcoming season. It’s a message to the Lakers about his improved prowess, and a warning to the other 29 teams in the NBA.
If an “out of shape” Dončić led the NBA in scoring in 2023-24 with an average of 33.9, we can only imagine what this 2.0 version is going to do. And it’s not just because of his physical transformation, but also because of the enhanced sense of confidence. That’s exactly what one anonymous scout thinks as well. ‘The Dallas Hoops Journal’ recently covered the remarks from an NBA scout who watched Slovenia play against Germany during a EuroBasket friendly matchup. He described being amazed by how “incredible” the Lakers’ star looked. His weight loss seemed to have an improved effect on his performance, too, as the Scout also added that “He’s quicker and more explosive. He’s getting by people more easily. I think he’s on a mission, man. I think he’s gonna win MVP and the scoring title next season. He wants to get revenge on Dallas for basically fat-shaming him.”
The Slovenian played his first highly anticipated game of the summer at EuroBasket 2025 during the preparation games series. His national team recently went up against Germany, and Slovenia ended up losing by 89-103. Despite that, the game showed an improved version of Dončić. He scored 19 points through 2-5 field goals, 3-6 3-pointers, and 6-13 Free Throws. On top of that, he also grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Meanwhile, the leading scorers for Germany, David Kramer and Franz Wagner, could only record 18 points each. As part of Slovenia’s preparation for the main games, Dončić claimed he was placed on a minutes restriction. Therefore, we can only speculate how much further he would have gone if he had been allowed to continue.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
According to the ‘Daily Guardian’, the postgame buzz was dominated less by Dončić’s performance and more by his noticeably improved body and conditioning. As he stepped out from the tunnel, Dončić received loud cheers from the crowd, once again reminding him that he has the confidence of the European crowd. It is safe to say that his improved conditioning will have an equal effect on Lakers fans, too, the next time the Slovenian plays at the Crypto.com Arena.
As Men’s Health reported, it took a lot of effort for the Lakers’ star to get to where he is right now. According to his listed conditioning plan, Luka Dončić slogged through two-a-days in Croatia while adhering to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet. This also included consuming at least 250 grams of protein, and one almond milk–fueled shake a day. It highlighted the player forming a fitness team to help him enhance and commit to training and diet during the summer.
The new and improved Luka Dončić has raised hope to deliver for the Los Angeles Lakers next season. However, several people, like Stephen A. Smith, told people not to get too excited. For the ESPN sportscaster, “there is a difference between getting in shape in the offseason and staying in shape during the season”. The Lakers’ front office might have realized this, too. This is why they probably went ahead and got some help.
Lakers Hire Former Dallas Mavericks Official To Aid In Luka Dončić and Co.’s Strength And Conditioning
Renowned NBA journalist Marc Stein recently reported that the Lakers are hiring Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach. What makes his hiring interesting is that, till earlier this year, Holsopple was associated with the Dallas Mavericks as their athletic performance director until he was eventually let go.
Holsopple’s hiring must have certainly earned a thumbs-up from Luka Dončić. After all, as reported by Tim MacMahon back in April, the athletic director, along with Casey Smith and Casey Spangler, helped Dončić make the cultural transition after he arrived in Dallas while still being a teenager. The trio reportedly became confidantes for the superstar, but Nico Harrison had a different term for them: “enablers”. Therefore, not only would it be nice to have a face from the Dallas Mavericks besides Dončić during the 2025-26 NBA season run, but it also helps that the new hire also isn’t a big fan of the Mavericks’ GM.
During his exit interview after being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach JJ Redick said the Lakers need to be in “championship shape”. While Luka Dončić has been holding his end of the bargain, the same cannot be said for everyone. Therefore, they could certainly use the new head strength and conditioning coach, who won the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach title back in March 2021.
The Lakers are hiring Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach, @TheSteinLine has learned.
As Dallas’ athletic performance director, Holsopple was named as the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach in March 2021.
More NBA: https://t.co/6DCqjEwAvw
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 11, 2025
The Slovenian is in revenge mode, and the EuroBasket Tournament is the first stage for him to show how effective he can be in the next NBA season. We don’t know how many people will be watching. We do know, however, that key officials from all 30 teams in the NBA will be keeping tabs.
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