The Los Angeles Lakers want Luka Doncic to be in better shape for his first full season with the team, and the five-time All-Star is taking that challenge seriously. Recent photos from his time in Spain show Luka looking trim and working out at Real Madrid’s facility. Doncic played there before coming to the NBA. He is clearly taking his offseason work seriously and should be ready to dominate on opening night.
Luka’s conditioning is part of the reason he ended up in Los Angeles. This has been a narrative for years, even when Doncic was leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and garnering five first-team All-NBA selections. He is a special talent but could reach a new level with a total commitment on and off the court.
Luka wants the Lakers to add a center and improve the roster around him. He is showing his new franchise he is totally bought in by honoring their wishes, and fans should expect LA to grant Luka’s as the transaction game heats up this summer.
Luka was shockingly traded by the Mavericks just months after a run to the NBA Finals. It was certainly a wake-up call. Doncic can drop 30 every night and gives his team a chance to win every game, but he needs to be in peak condition to win a championship.
The rest of the NBA should already be on notice. The 26-year-old is in his prime and pissed off after the Lakers first-round playoff exit. He will come back with a vengeance for his eighth NBA season. Doncic is extension-eligible this offseason and wants to show the Lakers he is fully committed to the franchise that just acquired him. A pissed off and motivated Luka is a problem for all 29 other teams.
Rob Pelinka and the front office must show that same commitment to him. Luka wants a lob threat at the five who will protect the rim. The Lakers also have a chance to add his former teammate P.J. Washington to improve their defense and versatility. Doncic wants upgrades and getting players he knows well could speed up LA’s path to title contention.
Luka Doncic being in the best shape of his life is terrifying for the rest of the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers asked for it, and number 77 is doing everything possible to deliver. He will return to action for EuroBasket later this summer. Expect to see him dominate. The new level of conditioning will make him more dangerous on both ends of the floor and is just what the Lakers wanted.
