Superstar basketball player Luka Doncic agrees on a whopping $165 million contract to prolong his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers for another three years.
In a significant move for the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through to 2028. The deal, reportedly worth $165 million, was announced by the Lakers on Saturday.
Rob Pelinka, President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers, expressed his excitement about the extension, stating that Doncic is one of the game's most transcendent players.
Doncic, who joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal that also involved Anthony Davis moving in the opposite direction, has expressed a desire to lead the Lakers back to the summit of the NBA.
One of the reasons the Mavericks were willing to part ways with Doncic was reported concerns about his physical conditioning. However, Doncic has worked hard to improve his body in the off-season, and the results are evident.
A Transformed Luka Doncic
In a recent interview with Men's Health magazine, Doncic revealed that he has taken a "huge step" in improving his conditioning. His off-season training regimen, which included a gluten-free, low-sugar diet with intermittent fasting and high protein intake (over 250 grams per day), has resulted in noticeable weight loss and improved physical fitness.
Key aspects of Doncic's improved conditioning include:
- A stricter diet that reduces inflammation and aids recovery, including intermittent fasting and two high-protein meals plus a protein shake after intense morning workouts.
- Training routines emphasizing basketball-specific drills, supersets combining upper-body, lower-body, and sport-specific moves.
- Notable gains in strength, particularly in his legs, and improved ability to change speed and control eccentric force, which is crucial for maneuvers like stopping abruptly while maintaining balance.
- Visible physical changes such as a thinner, fitter physique compared to prior seasons.
Preparing for the Future
Doncic's improved physical shape aligns with his move to the Los Angeles Lakers and preparations for international play, indicating a motivated and comprehensive upgrade to his fitness regime.
In the regular season, Doncic started 28 games, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. Under his new contract, Doncic will not become a free agent until 2026.
Doncic acknowledges that while he was always a talented player, this offseason has enabled him to raise his athleticism and health to a new level. This improvement has helped silence some past concerns about his conditioning impacting his performance or injury risk.
With Doncic's new contract and his improved physical condition, the Lakers are well-positioned for a strong future in the NBA.
[1] Men's Health
[2] ESPN
[3] NBA.com
[4] Sports Illustrated
- Doncic, through his strict diet and intense training, has transformed his health and physical fitness, silencing past concerns about his conditioning affecting his NBA performance.
- As he moves forward with his new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic's improved health and athleticism will contribute to the team's success in sports, particularly basketball, and make them competitive in the NBA.
