Luka Dončić Leading ‘Weight Loss’ Movement On The Lakers

Marcus Smart Joins the Lakers’ Conditioning Push

It’s not just Luka leading the Lakers conditioning charge. Marcus Smart, the team’s newest defensive ace, is following suit.

Marc Stein on The Stein Line wrote, “I’m likewise told that Smart (like Dončić) has been working hard on his body this summer. Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.”

That’s music to Lakers fans’ ears. The purple and gold need Smart at his peak to anchor perimeter defense.

Lakers Conditioning Gains Don’t Stop There

Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber are also part of the Lakers’ conditioning buzz. Last season, Vanderbilt’s injuries limited his minutes. Now, he looks ready to contribute again. Stein added, “I’m also hearing Jarred Vanderbilt is healthier now than he was at any point last season, which will naturally spark hope that the versatile forward seems like an offseason addition himself when training camp opens in late September. Ditto for Maxi Kleber, who made only one appearance — for five minutes in Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round exit to Minnesota — after he was shipped to Lakerland with Dončić on Feb. 2.”

Vanderbilt’s return adds needed length and  defensive switchability. Kleber’s health means the Lakers have some much needed frontcourt depth behind Ayton.

Lakers Conditioning Will Decide Their Ceiling

Last season, the Lakers battled injuries and fatigue all year. This offseason, that’s changing. Dončić’s transformation headlines the Lakers revival. Smart joins the wave. Vanderbilt and Kleber look ready too.

A fit and healthy roster means the Lakers can push deeper into the playoffs. If Luka stays in “championship shape,” Smart returns to DPOY form, and the rest stay healthy, the purple and gold might surprise the league.

When Luka joined the Lakers, many hoped LeBron James’ fanatical commitment to elite conditioning would rub off on him. That seems to be the case — and better still, it’s becoming the identity. If this culture sticks, LeBron might get that last dance. Luka will silence critics who doubted him. And Smart might prove he has more left in the tank.