Five months after getting eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers has made his feelings clear about their early exit. The Lakers had homecourt advantage against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they were kicked out of the postseason in five games.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Dan Woike during this summer’s EuroBasket in Poland, Doncic opened up about the Lakers’ 4-1 series loss to the Timberwolves. He was happy with the way the team finished strong in the offseason. However, they were unable to realize the team’s potential in the playoffs.
The Lakers had huge wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets during that final stretch.
“That’s how we could play, but I don’t think we played like this in the playoffs,” Doncic said in an article published on September 24.
“Luka Magic” was in full display during the playoffs despite the team’s overall result. He averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the floor, including 34.8% from threes, and 89.1% from the free-throw line.
Doncic was playing through a lower back injury in the latter part of the series. However, it was his defensive shortcomings and obvious conditioning issues that were highlighted the most in the media.
Luka Doncic’s New Offseason Regimen Led to EuroBasket Dominance
One of the biggest changes made by Luka Doncic in the offseason was focusing on his cardio and diet. Doncic hired a personal chef after he began intermittent fasting in preparation for the EuroBasket, as per The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay.
The Slovenian superstar looked in top shape at the tournament, leading his nation to the quarterfinals against Germany. They were on the verge of eliminating the reigning World Cup Champions, but they blew a double-digit lead in the second half. The Germans would go on to win the EuroBasket, defeating Turkey in the final.
Nevertheless, Doncic was named to the All-Star Five after averaging 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. According to Dan Woike, multiple members of the Los Angeles Lakers organization visited their superstar this summer. Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, Kurt and Linda Rambis and Dr. Leroy Sims were all in Poland to show their support.
Luka Doncic Focused on Winning NBA Title
After falling short of the NBA Championship in 2024, Luka Doncic had high hopes for the Dallas Mavericks before his shocking trade in February. Doncic’s first postseason with the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t go according to plan, but winning a title is still the goal.
A source close to the Slovenian superstar told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that Doncic is focused on going after an NBA championship this season.
“He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship. He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building,” the source said in an article published on September 19.
The Lakers added free agents Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart this offseason. All three players fit well around Doncic, while Austin Reaves has reportedly worked on his quick release to play better around their superstar, as per Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
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