Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers' Luka Doncic Receives Harsh Prediction From Insider

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 7:00 PM ET

Luka Doncic has put himself in the best shape he's ever been in before an NBA season. Now that he has had a full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is looking forward to helping the team make a deep run.

Doncic carried the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in the 2023-24 season, so the Lakers know that he has the talent to do the same thing with Los Angeles.

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Doncic has a lot of hype coming in this season. One NBA pundit does not believe that the guard will have the great season that many are predicting for him.

NBA pundit predicts disappointing season for Lakers guard Luka Doncic

According to a bold prediction from Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, Doncic won't have the revenge season that everyone is expecting him to have next season.

"Doncic's outlook is complicated," Hughes writes. "Should we buy the hype that he's finally in shape because a calculated PR push and some tasteful airbrushing say we should? Is it possible last year was the catalyst that turns Dončić into the best version of himself? Perhaps."

Hughes is not totally sold on Doncic's new offseason workout being able to keep him healthy throughout the season, nor does he believe in the partnership with LeBron James.

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"Doncic is firmly in "prove it" territory when it comes to his health and conditioning. He also enters a season with some tricky vibes, as LeBron James' diminished importance to the Lakers could create an uncomfortable dynamic," Hughes adds. "James didn't get an extension over the summer and has no experience as his team's second most important player."

The Lakers need Luka Doncic to be the best offensive player he can be

Doncic has to be one of the elite offensive players in the league next season if the Lakers are going to make a deeper run in the playoffs. They aren't going to be strong on the defensive end, so they have to outscore teams.

The Lakers believe that a full offseason in Los Angeles will make the difference for Doncic, especially when the playoffs roll around. They expect a big season from him now that his future is settled.