Lakers' Luka Doncic Reveals Role Mavericks Trade Played in Fitness Journey

The Los Angeles Lakers made the decision to trade for Luka Doncic because they wanted him to be the face of the franchise once LeBron James decides to retire.

Doncic was the face of the Dallas Mavericks, even taking them to the NBA Finals during the 2023 season. Yet, the Mavs decided to part ways with him, in part because he couldn't stay in shape.

This offseason, Doncic has participated in a revamped conditioning program in order to get in better shape. Fans think it's because of the trade, and Doncic addressed that theory recently.

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In an interview with Anna Lazarus Caplan of People Magazine, Doncic downplayed the trade as the main reason he decided to get his body into the best shape he's been in his NBA career.

“I would say winning the championship is my priority," Doncic explained. "You know, you try to do it every year; I didn't do it yet. Hopefully, in the future, I will. So I mean, that was honestly my motivation. We got a new team, we got a whole preseason. You get to know each other, and honestly, I'm very excited to start.”

The 6-foot-6 guard claimed that winning a title is the main reason why he decided to finally make this change. It was clear during the playoffs this past season that he wasn't in good enough shape to stay in front of players on defense.

Doncic clearly wants to make sure that no longer happens while he's a member of the Lakers. Starting next season in better shape should help that, but he also has to maintain that level of fitness throughout the year.

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Doncic is viewed as one of the best players in the NBA. If he is able to maintain this new physique, it could unlock a different level of play for him, as he might not suffer as many injuries.

The Lakers are hoping that they can keep Doncic in shape enough to make a run at the title. He is one of the best scorers in the history of the league, but his defense has to get better.

Once he was traded to the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.

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