The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a transitional phase, with LeBron James potentially in his final season and Luka Doncic stepping into a leading role and the four-time champion thinks the Slovenian will have a big advantage.
As the former Dallas Mavericks star focuses on peak conditioning, his recent transformation has already caught the attention of James and teammates alike as his dedication to improving his physique was evident during his appearances at EuroBasket this summer.
And the results have impressed one of the NBA’s greatest as speaking with Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast, James praised his offseason work, highlighting how it could impact his performance and longevity.
“I watched a lot of the Euro basketball this summer too,” James said. “He looks a little bit quicker, a little bit more functional.
“It’s not like Luka’s game is going to change. He’s still going to get 30, 40 [points]. But what’s going to change is how he wakes up the next day.
“‘Oh man, knee doesn’t bother me.’
“I’m super duper proud of him.”
While Doncic has long been celebrated for his talent, questions about his stamina and health have followed him throughout his career, especially by Nico Harrison, largely tied to his diet and preparation habits.
By embracing this new level of conditioning, he could elevate his game even further and potentially become the best player in the world in short order. LeBron meanwhile, is also adapting to ensure he remains effective in a new team structure.
With Doncic expected to handle the ball more frequently, James is focusing on off-the-ball skills, particularly catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
“I spent a lot of time on my catch-and-shoot 3-pointers,” James explained at Media Day. “How can I still be effective on the team where I don’t have to handle the ball as much?”
This adjustment not only allows Doncic to lead but also helps James preserve his health and energy for the playoffs, demonstrating the Lakers’ commitment to a sustainable, high-level approach for the remainder of his career.
Los Angeles Lakers Odds: How likely are they to win NBA title?
As the 2025/26 NBA season approaches, sportsbooks have begun setting odds for the championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are opening as favorites at +230 as per Fan Duel.
Other contenders include the Cleveland Cavaliers (+600), Denver Nuggets (+750), and New York Knicks (+1000). The Boston Celtics, Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks are also set at +1400.
The Houston Rockets are backed at +1700 after acquiring 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, while the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers saw their odds slip to +10,000 following Tyrese Haliburton‘s injury.
The 2025/26 NBA season begins on October 21, with the Emirates NBA Cip from October 31-December 16, NBA All-Star game on February 15 and NBA Playoffs after April 13, 2026.
With Doncic in peak condition and James adjusting his game, the Lakers aim to combine youth and experience to make a deep playoff run and maybe a first title since 2020.
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