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Lakers 2025-2026 Player Preview: Luka Doncic

By Gary Guilloryon

As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, Luka Doncic finds himself in a new chapter of his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 season, Doncic signed a three-year extension this summer, committing to the franchise as its cornerstone.

Doncic, who had a partial season that culminated in a first-round playoff elimination, came to media day with a changed body and a fresh outlook, providing genuine insights into his summer, team relationships, and expectations for the year ahead.

Last season, the 26-year-old superstar was brutally honest about the hurdles of midseason integration, noting the difficulty of developing chemistry on the fly. He commented on the deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, calling it a “fresh start” but acknowledging the transition was more difficult than anticipated.

Relationship with JJ Redick

Doncic praised head coach JJ Redick and indicated a desire to continue working with him throughout his career. He also praised Redick’s strategic vision, stating that he has a high basketball IQ and knows how to maximize player performance.

Doncic highlighted Redick’s ability to navigate the unique dynamics of having “the greatest of all time” on the team, noting, “When one of your players is the greatest of all time, you’ve got to take into consideration everything you do in your preparation.”

Focus on Fitness and Leadership

Fitness was a significant theme in Doncic’s media day comments. Reporting at 244 pounds—down from around 265 at the end of last season—Doncic credited his offseason work for making him “way less tired” and “probably a little quicker.”

He elaborated on Redick’s “championship shape” mantra: “It’s not just physical shape, it’s mental shape too. That kinda goes both ways. Both are very, very important.” Doncic described the team’s practices as intense, with “everybody’s in great shape, everybody’s running a lot.”

Reflecting on his summer, Doncic said, “I think I had a great summer,“ which included a dominant EuroBasket performance in which he led Slovenia to victory and earned MVP honors. This experience honed his leadership skills, which he plans to bring to the Lakers as the new face of the franchise.

Brutal Honesty and Season Outlook

Doncic didn’t shy away from self-criticism, admitting that last season’s rushed integration led to inconsistencies. “We have to build better chemistry this year,“ he noted, emphasizing the benefit of a whole training camp. Doncic is optimistic about the roster’s potential.

Looking ahead, the Lakers are poised to challenge in the West if they remain healthy, with Doncic likely to capture MVP honors and lead the team deep into the playoffs. Luka Doncic starts 2025-26 with a dangerous attitude, eager to make history in purple and gold, while Redick strives for a career-defining season.

Gary Guillory is a passionate and die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. He took his love for the NBA and utilized it in his hobby of reading and writing. His passion for the Lakers transcends the court and finds its way into his literary projects. Gary holds an associate’s degree in journalism from Chaffey College. He is pursuing a history degree and teaching credentials at California Baptist University, demonstrating his diverse academic interests. Gary had the honor of writing for Chaffey College’s newspaper, “The Breeze,” last season. He runs a personal blog analyzing the Lakers’ called “Gary’s Give & Go” on Substack. These experiences have strengthened his grasp of the game and honed his ability to deliver compelling pre- and post-game analyses and insightful opinion pieces.
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