Lakers' star Luka Doncic signs landmark extension, committing to hard work and change following the deal
Luka Doncic's Offseason Transformation Sets Stage for Lakers Success
Luka Doncic, the star player who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers six months ago, has undergone a significant transformation during the 2025 offseason. This transformation, focused on fitness and nutrition, is expected to positively impact the Lakers' success in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
After a challenging 2024-25 season marked by injuries and a midseason trade, Doncic committed to a rigorous training and nutrition regimen. He followed a gluten-free, low-sugar diet combined with intermittent fasting and consumed at least 250 grams of protein daily. His offseason training included two-a-day workouts focused on strengthening key muscle groups, improving footwork, and reducing stress on his knees by limiting vertical jumps.
Physiologically, Doncic's training has enhanced his eccentric strength—his ability to decelerate and change speeds rapidly on the court—which is critical for his style of play that involves sudden stops and quick jump shots. His low center of gravity and improved overall muscle tone make him harder to move defensively, potentially elevating his impact for the Lakers offensively and defensively.
The Lakers and Doncic himself view this fitness transformation as a "huge step" and foundational for future development. Such improvements are vital for Doncic to sustain his performance over a long and intense NBA season and could contribute significantly to the Lakers' competitiveness in aiming for deeper playoff success after their early exit in the previous postseason.
In addition to his physical transformation, Doncic has also bought into the Lakers' long-term vision. He is aiming to lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals and win a championship. To achieve this goal, Doncic is working closely with Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka to build a championship-caliber team around him.
The Lakers have acquired new players to strengthen their roster, including Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Smart's addition will undoubtedly help Doncic with his defense. Doncic values the opportunity to have a preseason with his new teammates, which he did not have during his midseason trade.
Doncic has signed a three-year max extension worth $165 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. This contract extension makes Doncic the foundation of the Lakers' push for an 18th NBA championship. Doncic intends to bring his competitive spirit and focus on winning every game. He is open to discussing potential new teammates with the Lakers' management to further strengthen the team.
As the preseason approaches, Doncic expects the development of the team's roster to occur. He is optimistic about the Lakers' chances of competing for a championship, believing his team has what it takes to do so. Doncic's enhanced conditioning and tailored training regimen in the 2025 offseason have set the stage for a healthier, stronger, and more dynamic season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where his improved fitness is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s overall success in the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
Sources:
- ESPN
- Sports Illustrated
- NBA.com
- Yahoo Sports
- The Lakers believe Luka Doncic's fitness transformation during the offseason will significantly contribute to their competitiveness, aiming for deeper playoff success in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
- Doncic's rigorous training and nutrition regimen, focused on physiological improvements, has boosted his eccentric strength and overall muscle tone, making him harder to move defensively.
- The Lakers anticipate Doncic's improved conditioning and tailored training regimen to play a crucial role in the team's success during the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
- Luka Doncic has signed a three-year max extension worth $165 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the foundation of their push for an 18th NBA championship.
- Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, was acquired by the Lakers to strengthen their roster, which will undoubtedly help Doncic with his defense.
- Doncic plans to lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals and win a championship. To achieve this goal, he is working closely with Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka to build a championship-caliber team around him.
