Following a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, the Luka Doncic star took it upon himself to work on making himself the kind of valuable asset that wins championships.
Reports suggest he shed an impressive 30 pounds during the offseason, visibly transforming both his physique and mindset.
This personal rediscovery has given new life not only to Doncic himself but to head coach JJ Redick, who has absorbed a surge of momentum thanks to his star player’s unspoken vote of confidence.
Midway through their 2025-26 preparations, Doncic‘s dedication and the clarity of his championship focus appear to have strengthened the entire coaching structure.
Redick, navigating his first full NBA season as head coach, may well be gaining more than motivation from Luka: this is the kind of leadership that compels trust and reinvigorates belief across a franchise.
In an interview with Jovan Buha back in May, Redick made a distinction that some players were in “phenomenal” shape but that “we have to get in championship state,” perhaps motivating players, like Doncic, to get to work.
When asked recently what he’d been doing differently recently, Doncic remained humble.
“Honestly, nothing different. Just probably less tired, a little bit quicker. Nothing specific. At the end of the day, I want to win games and help my team achieve more.”
Doncic‘s commitment to getting in shape also reaffirms his words in February that winning championships is the goal, and that “that should always be the goal.”
A gesture of belief from the top
As Slovenia prepares to launch its EuroBasket Group D campaign on August 28 versus Poland, a powerful signal of support has emerged.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and team president (and former majority owner) Jeanie Buss made the long haul to Poland along with part of the team’s support staff, including Kurt and Linda Rambis and Dr. Leroy Sims, director of player performance and health.
That arrival meant more to Doncic than just a flight across continents. He shared with reporters, “I mean, it means a lot. It’s a long flight. I think it’s like 11-12 hours, so it means a lot, you know, for them just to be here to support me. We had a good lunch today, so it was great to see them.”
Their presence underscores the organization’s commitment to him and suggests that the front office sees Luka not only as a franchise cornerstone but also as a leader whose well-being and confidence are paramount.
With the Lakers poised for a critical season, the synergy between Doncic‘s personal evolution and Redick‘s coaching trajectory may define the narrative.
Rather than relying on external praise or sensational headlines, this quietly compelling story suggests that true transformation often begins with the individual and can ignite an entire franchise.
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