Luka Doncic On His Fitness Journey, Upcoming Lakers Season, And Being The Future Face Of The Franchise

Luka Doncic has made headlines for all the right reasons this offseason. Doncic has undergone a physical transformation following the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he was asked about the challenges he has faced in that process during an interview with Complex.

"I mean just trying new things like I said," Doncic stated. "Me and my team put a plan together. So we just try some new things. The toughest part, I don't know what to say. A little bit of everything, but at the end of the day, I love basketball, so I just wanted to play basketball."

Doncic reportedly has lost 31 pounds after changing his diet and adopting a new training regimen. The 26-year-old was determined to get in better shape, and you could argue he looks better than ever now.

Doncic was asked in this interview about what motivated him to get in better shape, and he made it clear that all the outside noise, including the "Hookah Doncic" memes, played no part in that.

"Just being the best I can be," Doncic said. "Nothing specific from outside. Obviously, athletes need to relax sometimes. You can't just be working every day."

Doncic claimed that he didn't pay attention to his critics getting on him for the way he chose to relax in the offseason. The five-time All-Star added he is now locked in and is looking forward to the 2025-26 season with the Lakers.

"I can't wait to get started," Doncic stated. "We put a team together, getting the whole preseason with the guys practicing. So I can't wait to start."

Doncic has played a big role in the Lakers' activities this offseason. He helped the team land Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart in free agency, and it will be interesting to see how much of an impact these two make.

What we do know for sure is that Doncic is going to dominate on the court once again. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game for the Lakers in 2024-25 after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February.

That midseason trade meant Doncic didn't get to have a training camp with his Lakers teammates. It will greatly benefit the whole group to spend the preseason together in the lead-up to 2025-26. 

Another big storyline this offseason regarding the Lakers, along with Doncic, has been LeBron James' future. There are rumblings about this upcoming season being James' last with the team, as they focus on building around their new Slovenian superstar. Even if the veteran ends up staying with the Lakers, retirement isn't too far away, and Doncic was asked how he's mentally preparing to be the future face of the franchise.

"I mean, honestly, nothing specific," Doncic said. "Like I said, be the best that I can be, and at the end of the day, I'm playing basketball. I want to win and that's it. That's our goal, from the start to finish of the season."

Doncic, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension earlier this month, is only focused on winning games. He isn't paying much attention to anything else.

Before Doncic gets on the court for the Lakers, though, he'll be in action at EuroBasket 2025 with Slovenia. They have been placed in Group D and will take on Poland in their opener.