Luka Doncic set to make serious changes

Luka Doncic‘s physical condition has been one of the NBA’s most hotly debated topics since the Slovenian joined the league in 2018. And it was precisely his willpower – or the belief in it – that Lakers general manager Nico Harrison clung to when he pulled off one of the most shocking trades in league history, acquiring the Mavericks star in a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through the NBA. It was a transfer that divided opinion and rattled the foundations of the world’s premier basketball competition.

Still, the season ended in disappointment for Los Angeles. The Lakers were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by the Timberwolves in a lopsided 4–1 series, with Doncic facing heavy criticism once again – targeted for both his fitness and lack of defensive effort, which was brutally exposed by a Minnesota side that delivered a masterclass.

Next season will be Doncic‘s eighth in the NBA. He’ll be 27, and many see it as a crucial turning point – a moment to move on from the noise and put in the hard work. In American basketball, what players do over the summer is often decisive. It’s the time to strengthen the body and prevent injuries, a major issue for Doncic in recent years. Last season was particularly bad: he played only 50 games – well short of the 65-game threshold required to be eligible for individual honors like MVP or All-NBA selections, as stipulated by the latest collective bargaining agreement.

That minimum has eluded Doncic too often, despite his Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. The talent is undeniable, but the follow-through has been inconsistent. Last season’s absence from the awards conversation was another clear sign: something has to change if he’s going to be one of the all-time greats.

Now, signs suggest Doncic has heard the message. “I’ve heard from some pretty honest folks close to the situation that Luka has already started a kind of cleanse – a fresh start – with this mindset of making major changes to himself,” said Jason Gallagher on The Dumb Zone. Gallagher, who directs LeBron James’ podcast with Steve Nash – and previously helmed the show James hosted with Dončić‘s current coach, JJ Redick – is well-placed to speak on the matter.

If Gallagher is right, Doncic is wasting no time getting his body ready for 2025–26. A EuroBasket tournament lies ahead this summer, but the work done now could be pivotal in avoiding injuries and performing at the level the Lakers demand – especially if they hope to contend for a title anytime soon.

Doncic remains one of the most gifted players of his generation, with five straight All-NBA First Team nods and regular MVP contention. In his last full season with Dallas, he led the league in scoring with 33.9 points per game and carried the Mavericks to the Finals, finishing third in MVP voting. But long, successful careers belong to players who take care of themselves. The ones who make history are those who last and win.

That’s the crossroads where Doncic now stands. He took plenty of heat after the Lakers’ early exit – but from the sound of it, he’s already started the hard work that could erase the doubts and confirm what we’ve always known: he’s a phenomenal star.

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