Luka Doncic’s former Mavericks coach joins LA Lakers, sparking fan reactions

Building a championship team takes more than just star power on the floor, and the Lakers’ ownership group seem to understand that.

That approach was clear in their decision to bring in former Dallas Mavericks athletic performance director Jeremy Holsopple.

Holsopple spent several years with the Mavericks and was named the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach in 2021.

However, he was let go by Dallas general manager Nico Harrison not long after the team’s loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Earlier this year, Doncic told an ESPN source: “They get rid of everybody I like,” with Holsopple believed to be one of those staffers.

The 26-year-old will likely be happy to reunite with his former coach when he joins Los Angeles next season.

Jeremy Holsopple’s arrival gets warm welcome from LA Lakers fans

Following Marc Stein’s report of Jeremy Holsopple’s arrival as strength and conditioning coach, LA Lakers fans expressed positive reactions on social media.

“We are starting to see some dominoes from the new ownership regime,” a fan said.

Another one added: “New management baby!!! Jeanie [Buss] and the [Linda] Rambis clan would never.”

“It’s the little things like this that the old Lakers ownership wasn’t paying for,” a third fan tweeted.

A supporter also noted: “Giving your 26-year-old superstar the team of trainers he’s most comfortable with. What a concept.”

Other replies included: “Seems the Lakers are getting people connected to Luka,” and “Good move for the margins.”