LeBron James Reacts to Luka Doncic's Change in Physical Appearance

Luka Doncic’s Offseason Work Pays Off

Doncic has long been known as a high-usage player, often logging more than 35 minutes per game in the regular season and pushing past 40 minutes in the playoffs. That workload, paired with his physical style of play, made conditioning an important focus for him entering this season.

Speaking at Lakers Media Day, Doncic said his new approach made a noticeable difference:

“I would just say way less tired. Probably a little quicker because of that,” he explained. “In the NBA, we play a lot of games in not so many days, so I think fatigue is the biggest thing for me right now.”

The 26-year-old also emphasized how being in better shape helps him defensively, a part of his game that critics have often targeted. His increased energy was clear in Slovenia’s EuroBasket run, where he looked sharper late in games and more active on the defensive end.

LeBron James Adjusts to Sharing the Floor with Luka Doncic

For James, Doncic’s transformation comes at the perfect time. Entering his 23rd season, James has been making his own adjustments to ensure he remains effective while playing alongside another ball-dominant star.

“I spent a lot of time on my catch-and-shoot three-pointers,” James said, explaining that with Doncic, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart handling much of the ball control, his role will include more off-ball work. “We have a lot of guys who can handle the ball… so how can I still be effective on the team where I don’t have to handle the ball as much.”

Head coach JJ Redick also praised Doncic’s offseason dedication, noting that his physical change was not just a short-term fix but part of a long-term routine.

“This is his life, this is his routine, this is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself,” Redick said, per Lakers Nation. “His excitement level in embracing this new standard was very high.”

The Lakers front office has made it clear they expect Doncic to be the centerpiece of the team’s future. Pairing him with LeBron James for at least one more season gives Los Angeles one of the most dynamic duos in the league; one built not just on talent but on a shared commitment to adapting their games.

The Lakers open the 2025–26 season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors, a matchup that will offer the first real look at how James and Doncic’s new approaches mesh on the court.