After facing criticism on his way out of Dallas for his work ethic and conditioning, Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been “incredibly committed” to his conditioning since the team’s season ended, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells Woike that Doncic has lost weight and is working on “strict diet and cardio training.” The 26-year-old deviated from his usual offseason routine by spending a month away from on-court activities in order to focus on his body, Woike adds.
As he prepares for his first full season in Los Angeles, Doncic will become eligible later this summer to sign a contract extension that could be worth up to nearly $229MM over four seasons.
We have more on the NBA’s two L.A.-based teams:
- Lakers star LeBron James, who sustained an MCL sprain in the last game of the season, stated on Instagram earlier this week that he has resumed on-court work, as Dave McMenamin of ESPN relays (via Twitter). James has a decision due by Sunday on his $52.6MM player option for 2025/26.
- Clippers guard James Harden is being accused of negligence in a civil complaint that includes allegations of sexual assault against his nephew, per Zach Powell of The Athletic. The plaintiff alleges that Harden’s nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, raped her at a New Year’s party at Harden’s home in Houston. The claim of negligence against Harden is related to the conduct of his in-home security staff, Powell explains, with the lawsuit stating that the 35-year-old is “vicariously liable for the actions of his guards and their corporate employer.”
- Janis Carr of The Orange County Register examines some possible draft targets for the Clippers, including Drake Powell, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Noah Penda at No. 30 and Viktor Lakhin at No. 51.
- Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times previews draft night for both the Lakers and Clippers, but notes that the brunt of the offseason work for the two L.A. teams will likely come later, with LeBron, Harden, and several other veterans up for new contracts.
An in shape Luka on the offense-impaired Lakers could avg close to 40 ppg.
That would help in his defense, too. Not getting blown by by quicker guards, lol
If he’s averaging 40 points they’re winning 40 games.
“Vicariously liable” even off the court Beard is racking up assists lol
what is best for the Lakers is no more extensions with Lebron. Especially no more option years. He holds it over their head should I come back or leave? let him become a free agent next year. Let the team get ready to move on from Lebron.
I’m hoping the new regime plays this smart and has LBJ slide into a Udonis Haslam type role…for a smaller salary. Get free courtside seats, mentor the younger guys and still be relevant to the team.
Thank God for the new owners. They will cut LeBron free.
Genuine curiosity – is it more difficult for Luka than most people to maintain being in shape? Why does he need to step away from the court to manage this part of his life when most NBA players do not? Why do some people say he’s lazy?
Probably just needed a jump start after not being on top of it.
Also the coach that only plays his starters too many minutes instead of playing bench players to get a better balanced team. Tired of complaints about them not having a bench when they do have players but lean too heavy on starters.
So Doncic will bust his hump to get in shape for the Lakers but he was fine looking like Lumpy Rutherford when he played for Dallas? That’s a nice slap in the face.
He had moments in Dallas where he was notably slimmer; last training camp might have been the most recent instance. I don’t think his problem is getting in shape but rather keeping the weight off the entire duration of season.
Lumpy Rutherford!! Classic! 😄
I have a strong feeling LA is getting Kessler. ….. and Knecht will be a part of ut.. I believe this cause Maluach has a better future at the 5. Utah will take him at #5. It’s a smart move. Hate it … wanted Maluach in Bklyn …..
Only if Kessler gets traded to a non-Lakers team and that team doesn’t tell the Utah Ainges
Lakers problem is not Luka. It is Lebron.
In the playoffs last year Luka was -5 across the 5 games, which included the game he was sick where he was -16. Meanwhile, both LeBron and Reaves were -11 each across all 5 games.
Luka was not the problem. Sure he could be in better shape than he was injured last year. But he wasn’t why they lost to the wolves.