LeBron James is Responsible for ‘Skinny’ Luka Doncic, Reveals Lakers Coach

Back in 2024, Luka Doncic did not envision even in their wildest dreams that the following year, he would become a part of the Los Angeles Lakers, playing alongside LeBron James.

He now knows all too well how one week can change his life. Doncic went from being loved in Dallas and buying a new house, looking towards spending at least another decade of his life there, to being left without a choice.

The Lakers and Mavericks decided on this trade in secret and only informed him once the league cleared them. The trade sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, and fans could not believe what had just happened.

For Doncic, he was left without answers as to why the Mavericks, whom he had just led to the NBA Finals, gave up on him. Soon, rumors started to spread that the franchise was not happy with his conditioning and his dedication to the game.

That lit a fire inside him that saw him deliver a masterclass on his return to Dallas. In the offseason, he took those conditioning concerns to heart and went about dropping a lot of weight.

Many understood well and clearly what motivated the 26-year-old in his pursuit towards becoming ‘Skinny’ Luka Doncic. But it seems those Mavericks-led narratives were not the only reason.

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.

Greg St. Jean revealed to Basket News

This means the 5-time All-NBA 1st teamer knew who to look for inspiration. Being one of the fittest players in the NBA at age 40 is in itself all the motivation one needs.

Lakers coach reveals how Luka Doncic looks up to LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers assigned assistant coach Greg St. Jean to join the Slovenian national team. The idea was to support Luka Doncic in his EuroBasket 2025 endeavor.

That is when Basket News caught up with head coach JJ Redick‘s assistant and asked him what the new Lakers’ franchise cornerstone has learned from LeBron James.

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. He’s always been somebody he’s really admired. So, I think having those two together is obviously motivating.

Greg St. Jean as quoted by Basket News

Being around the 40-year-old, who has been nothing but elite in 22 seasons in the league, is enough for any player to look up to and look for inspiration. From St. Jean’s words, it seems Doncic has felt the same and is trying to follow in his teammate’s footsteps.

If he continues to listen to the 4-time league MVP, it might not be long before Luka Doncic starts to truly follow in LeBron James‘ footsteps and start dominating the NBA.

Luka Doncic currently focused on making EuroBasket knockout stage

Before Luka Doncic shifts his focus back to the Los Angeles Lakers, he wants to do the best he can for his national team. Slovenia currently sits 4th in Group D and faces elimination unless it wins more games.