Because the Los Angeles Lakers put together for the 2025–26 NBA season, a lot of the eye has centered round Luka Doncic’s bodily transformation. Doncic, getting into his first full season with the Lakers following a midseason commerce from Dallas, not too long ago appeared on the duvet of Males’s Well being, showcasing a noticeably leaner body and improved conditioning.
The 26-year-old star’s revamped physique rapidly grew to become a speaking level amongst NBA followers and media, with some suggesting this might mark a turning level in his profession. Nevertheless, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith provided a extra measured perspective throughout Tuesday’s version of First Take, urging warning earlier than declaring Doncic’s transformation as a assured game-changer.
“No. Not any extra scared than they already are. I imply the brother is phenomenal as an offensive expertise, little question about this,” Smith mentioned, downplaying the potential impression on opponents.
He continued by emphasizing the distinction between offseason preparation and in-season consistency.
“However there’s a distinction between getting in form within the offseason and staying in form throughout the season, and that’s one thing we’ve got to watch transferring ahead,” Smith mentioned. “The conditioning shouldn’t be solely crucial, however does that imply you’re going to maneuver with out the ball as a substitute of standing round and obtain it? Does it imply that you just’re going to up your efforts repeatedly on the defensive aspect of the ball? That’s the place it’s going to actually, actually present.”
“No. Not any extra scared than they already are… there is a distinction between getting in form within the offseason and staying in form throughout the season.”
Stephen A. Smith on whether or not groups needs to be petrified of a thin Luka Doncic 👀
(through @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/MMi4jt7TKC
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 29, 2025
Doncic has usually confronted scrutiny for his conditioning all through his profession, regardless of his constant manufacturing. Since getting into the league in 2018, he has averaged 28.6 factors, 8.6 rebounds, and eight.2 assists per sport whereas establishing himself as one of many premier offensive engines within the NBA.
Stephen A. Smith questions Luka Doncic’s transformation as Lakers construct new period round him
His health was reportedly a degree of frustration for the Dallas Mavericks, and one among a number of contributing components that led to the franchise’s choice to commerce him to the Lakers on the February deadline. The deal despatched Anthony Davis to Dallas and marked a seismic shift in Los Angeles’ long-term path.
Now with the Lakers, expectations are heightened. Doncic joins a restructured roster that includes new additions corresponding to Marcus Good and Deandre Ayton. Head coach JJ Redick enters his second season aiming to information the Lakers again to title rivalry, with Doncic positioned because the centerpiece of the franchise’s subsequent period.
Smith acknowledged the importance of Doncic’s dedication to raised conditioning however reiterated that the true take a look at lies in sustained effort.
“It’s good to see him prioritize his conditioning as a result of we all know it’s been an Achilles heel of his,” Smith mentioned. “He’s a terrific basketball participant, he’s a famous person on this league, however how’s it going to translate to the basketball court docket is not only about the way you look, however the effort you place forth and it doesn’t finish within the offseason… that’s when it begins.”
Veteran ahead LeBron James, who opted into his $52.6 million participant choice earlier this summer time, not too long ago shared a coaching video as he prepares for his twenty third NBA season. Whereas the Lakers transfer ahead with Doncic as the brand new point of interest, James stays an integral presence each on and off the court docket.