LeBron James and Luka Doncic are preparing for their first full season together as Los Angeles Lakers teammates, and the expectations couldn’t be higher. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit last year, the duo faces pressure to turn potential into results in the 2025-26 season.
While the two stars have dominated headlines for several reasons during the offseason, a lot of buzz has centered around Doncic’s physical transformation and improved body conditioning.
The 26-year-old shocked fans when photos of him made rounds online, showing a noticeably leaner frame, which went viral across social media. Doncic also appeared on the cover of Men’s Health, where he detailed his diet and training overhaul in the summer.
The five-time All-Star now looks like he is in the best shape of his career, a development that has sparked optimism among Lakers fans who hope improved fitness will help Doncic stay healthy through the season’s grind.
Among those who have been impressed by Doncic’s physical appearance is James, who discussed the Slovenian’s transformation during the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, released Wednesday. James revealed that he watched Doncic play for Slovenia in Europe this summer and noticed how much quicker and more agile he looked.
“I watched a lot of the Euro basketball this summer too,” James said. “He looks a little bit quicker, a little bit more functional.”
James stressed that the biggest benefit of Doncic’s weight loss isn’t about changing his game but about longevity and recovery.
“It’s not like Luka’s game is going to change. He’s still going to get 30, 40 [points]… But what’s going to change is how he wakes up the next day… ‘Oh man, knee doesn’t bother me.’ … I’m super duper proud of him.”
James also went on to joke that he might need to take a few tips from his younger teammate, saying Doncic’s commitment “shows he cares” and “wants this team to be great.”
That’s huge praise coming from James, who is widely regarded as one of the best-conditioned athletes in sports. Now entering his 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy age. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games, proving he remains elite even at 40. Doncic, meanwhile, posted 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 games for the Lakers, continuing to produce at an MVP-caliber level.
With both stars locked in and in peak condition, the Lakers enter the 2025-26 season with renewed championship expectations. The NBA world will be watching to see whether Doncic’s renewed fitness and his growing partnership with James can finally lift Los Angeles back to title contention.