Feb 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) defend during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Lakers Coach Credits LeBron James for Luka Doncic Body Transformation

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are thrilled that Luka Doncic has been able to get into the best shape of his NBA life before the season has started. Doncic looks like he is finally starting to take his conditioning seriously.

Doncic's conditioning was a serious topic of conversation during the playoffs when he was constantly getting blown by defensively. He looked gassed and not even capable of moving his feet to stop the drivers.

Now, Doncic looks like he has a much better grasp of his body. One Lakers coach is giving a lot of the credit for that to his teammate, LeBron James.

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Lakers coach credits LeBron James for Luka Doncic getting into shape

Pijus Sapetka of EuroBasket talked with Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean, who is an assistant on the Slovenian National team. St. Jean claims James was a big influence on Doncic.

"You know what? I always find this — iron sharpens iron. When you're around really good players, it's just like when you're a coach, and you're around a really good coach. You can't help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft. I think Luka's learned a little bit from every great player he's been around. And I know he's always looked up to LeBron."

St. Jean also mentioned that Doncic getting to see James' workout habits up close helped him make the change necessary this offseason to get himself in shape.

"I think LeBron, you can see, is working really hard as well. He's up at 5 a.m., and he's working on his body as well."

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The Lakers are hoping Luka Doncic can stay in shape all season long

Being in shape to start the season is great. What would make the Lakers happier is if he could maintain that high level of conditioning throughout the season.

They need Doncic to stay in shape into the postseason so that he can be a more effective player when they need him the most.

After being traded to the Lakers last season, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.