After the Lakers’ season was cut short by the Timberwolves in the first round, JJ Redick emphasized on getting his players in better shape this summer, “We have ways to go as a roster… There’s certainly other ones that could have been in better shape. That’s where my mind goes immediately is we have to get in championship shape.” Although JJ did not point fingers at a specific individual, Luka Doncic seems to have taken the head coach’s challenge personally.
During his recent sighting at a Real Madrid basketball game in Spain, Luka shocked everyone with his incredible transformation. Less than a month into the offseason, the Slovenian star has lost significant weight, looking much leaner and fitter than he was in the playoffs. And his Lakers teammate, Markieff Morris, believes getting off the gruelling NBA schedule could be a key reason behind his transformation.
“I mean that’s my guy Luka. Like Stephen A. said, that regimen in the season you would think we’re in better shape because of the season, but when you’re eating hotel food, you’re getting in at 3 o’clock in the morning in different cities, you have to eat at 4 o’clock in the morning with back to backs. All that stuff takes a toll on your body.” Morris said on First Take. Yes, with constant travelling, back-to-back games, and shifting from one hotel to another, it’s hard to stay on a disciplined diet and have a set routine. That makes it difficult for players to stay in top shape all year.
Moreover, this season was particularly stressful for Luka because he got traded in February without any prior notice, which was a massive shift for him as Markieff pointed out, “The stress of being in a long season, the stress of being traded mid-season. It’s just the things he went through last year.” But now that the season is over, Markieff believes Doncic has time to regroup and focus on getting his act together. Obviously, a trip back home helps, “I think you know he’s back in Madrid. I know how he likes Madrid. We went to Madrid last year with the team, he’s back in his environment, he’s having a great time, and right now I don’t even think he’s worried about anything. I just think that.”
Morris continued, “He’s happy this season is over. I don’t think he’s happy how this season ended, but I think he’s happy the season is over. He’s going to regroup. Like Stephen A. said, when you’re in the summer, you’re eating that good food, you got that regimen, you got that chef, anything is possible when it comes to losing weight.” While Morris was optimistic after seeing Luka’s transformation, Stephen A. did not make a big fuss about it.
