Los Angeles Lakers Hire Former Dallas Mavericks Strength and Conditioning Coach

Holsopple worked with Lakers superstar Luka Dončić in Dallas. Dončić has lost 30 pounds since last summer, a league source told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

“Man, he looks incredible,” the NBA scout told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “He’s quicker and more explosive. He’s getting by people more easily. I think he’s on a mission, man. I think he’s gonna win MVP and the scoring title next season. He wants to get revenge on Dallas for basically fat-shaming him.”

Dončić led the NBA in points per game during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 33.9 points.

The Mavericks traded Dončić last season because general manager Nico Harrison had issues with the five-time All-Star’s weight, diet, work ethic and conditioning. Dončić dealt with a serious calf injury last season, preventing him from getting into the elite shape he’s in right now.

One of the best players in the NBA, Dončić played in 28 games with the Lakers last season after the Mavericks shockingly traded him in February. The skillful point-forward averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists with the purple and gold.

Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 postseason in five games, but Dončić played well offensively, averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists despite being “out of shape.”

Dončić, 26, signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers on August 2. He recruited Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles this offseason.

“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” Dončić said after signing his extension. “This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together.

“I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team.”

Dončić enters next season with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists with the Mavericks and Lakers. He’s third in NBA history in points per game, trailing only NBA icons Michael Jordan (30.12) and Wilt Chamberlain (30.07).

Lakers second-year head coach JJ Redick is expected to start Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton next season. Dončić is looking to win his first NBA championship. He lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals with the Mavericks in five games.