Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has turned heads this offseason with a dramatic 31-pound weight loss, one of the biggest storylines for the team ahead of the 2025-26 season. Analysts have attributed the transformation to criticism about his body and off-court habits during his time in Dallas before being traded to the Lakers midseason.
But Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean said the influence of veteran LeBron James has been just as significant.
“You know what? I always find this — iron sharpens iron,” St. Jean told BasketNews. “When you’re around really good players, it’s just like when you’re a coach, and you’re around a really good coach. You can’t help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft. I think Luka’s learned a little bit from every great player he’s been around. And I know he’s always looked up to LeBron. He’s always been somebody he’s really admired. So I think having those two together is obviously motivating. I think it’s two-way motivating as well. I don’t think it’s just a one-way street.”
James’ world-class body care has been widely reported, contributing to his longevity in the league. The soon-to-be 41-year-old has reportedly spent $1.5 million annually on body care and training.
“I think LeBron, you can see, is working really hard as well. He’s up at 5 a.m., and he’s working on his body as well,” St. Jean said. “So, I think our team and our players — it’s not just about those two guys — but I think everybody’s motivated to come back and have a really good season.”
Diet, Fasting and Training
According to Slovenian Pop TV, Dončić has shed an average of more than 10 pounds per month since the Lakers’ season ended in April. In a Men’s Health magazine cover interview, he revealed following a 16-hour intermittent fasting schedule six days a week.
Each day except Sunday, Dončić fasts from 8:30 p.m. until noon the following day, with his first workout scheduled at the end of the fasting window. His diet focuses on gluten-free, low-sugar foods, with at least 250 grams of protein daily and a shake made with almond milk. He has also incorporated plant-based foods into his regimen and took a month off from basketball to recover physically and mentally.
On-Court Impact
Dončić said he expects the offseason changes to improve his conditioning and overall performance.
“I would just say a little bit of everything,” Dončić told reporters. “Obviously, a little bit faster. But I don’t know, just trying to help the team condition-wise. Obviously, playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think that’s going to be the best for me.”
The transformation appears to be paying off.
Dončić is leading all scorers in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, averaging 32.4 points per game. He also leads in efficiency (35.4) and ranks second in assists (8.4). Notably, he is also leading the tournament in steals, averaging 3.2 per game, and helped Slovenia advance to the Round of 16 with 16 steals in the group stage.
As the Lakers prepare for the new season, Dončić’s improved conditioning and the mentorship of James are expected to be key factors in the team’s performance. Observers will be watching whether the combination of offseason discipline and veteran influence translates to on-court success in Los Angeles.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Coach Credits Teammate for Luka’s Body Transformation appeared first on Heavy Sports.