Luka Doncic says he’s entering the 2025-26 NBA season in the best shape of his career — and expects his defensive impact to rise as a result.
Speaking at the Los Angeles Lakers’ press conference following his contract extension, the 26-year-old guard emphasized how a physical reset helped him re-approach the offseason.
“I would just say, you know, it was like a fresh start for me,” Doncic told reporters. “Obviously, I was on my way on doing it, but it was just kind of fresh start. Had a little more time to get my mind off basketball.”
Doncic revealed that he spent the first month of the offseason away from the court and instead focused on strength and conditioning work. “For the first month, I didn’t play basketball at all,” he said. “More focused in other things — weightlifting, balancing, those stuff.”
When asked how the body transformation might improve his performance on the floor, Doncic pointed directly to one area. “I think way better,” he said regarding his defense. “You obviously got Marcus [Smart], so he’s going to teach me some things. But you know, obviously that’s going to help a lot.”
Doncic also acknowledged the energy demands on both ends of the floor, pointing out that improved conditioning will help him navigate the grind of playing “a lot of minutes, a lot of games.”
The Lakers traded for Doncic six months ago, and general manager Rob Pelinka said the franchise views him as the cornerstone of their championship aspirations. “Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers, and that is a monumental moment in Lakers history,” Pelinka said.
Asked what convinced him to commit long-term, Doncic cited the fan support and team culture. “Honestly, my first game… I didn’t play for five, six games, but the way they received me — the fans, the team — it was unbelievable,” he said. “So, in that moment, I felt something different.”
The Slovenian guard also spoke about his evolving leadership role and his part in the franchise’s roster moves this summer. “To build a team to win the championship,” Doncic said, explaining his involvement in recruiting new teammates like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
