Luka Doncic is embracing the moment. In a recent interview alongside Dirk Nowitzki, the Lakers star reflected on his journey from a young fan watching his idols to sharing the court with them, calling it a full-circle experience that every basketball player dreams about.
“I’m happy where I am,” said Doncic. “It’s a full-circle moment in life to watch you, watch LeBron, watch all of these great players on TV, and then you get to play with them or play against them. That’s what every kid who plays basketball dreams of.”
Doncic also opened up about his physical transformation and what motivated him to take his conditioning more seriously. After last season’s grueling Finals run, the 26-year-old made a personal commitment to elevate his game and body to another level.
“My fitness journey started in the Finals,” added Doncic. “Last season was hard for me, there were a lot of things going on. But I’m 26 years old, and I’ve got a long way ahead of me.”
Doncic was drafted third overall by the Mavericks in 2018. After winning Rookie of the Year, he rose to stardom almost immediately, making five straight All-Star teams. As the face and leader of the franchise, Luka was adored by fans and hailed as a hero in Dallas.
So when the Mavericks suddenly traded him in 2025, it came as a shock to everyone. Dirk had no idea what was happening, and Doncic took it as the ultimate betrayal. To Luka, the Mavericks were his home, and he was determined to retire there. But when the team publicly questioned his conditioning and work ethic after the trade, Doncic vowed to prove them wrong and committed to the most transformative summer of his career.
He lit up the EuroBasket tournament for Slovenia, making a strong impression on coaches and teammates. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to build chemistry with his new Lakers teammates and develop a year-round training plan designed to keep him lean and in shape.
This new and improved Luka has been turning heads across the league. He looked dominant on opening night, finishing with 43 points and 12 rebounds on 63.0 percent shooting. While the Lakers ultimately lost the game, Doncic proved that his improved conditioning and focus are no fluke.
Now that he’s in the best shape of his life, Doncic appears ready to fulfill his highest potential, and it all started with the lessons he learned in the Finals. His first trip there with Dallas exposed the holes in his game and mindset, but this season represents a new beginning. At 26 years old, the Lakers are now Luka’s team, and he’s determined to make amends for all of his past shortcomings.
For Doncic, this new chapter is not just about redemption but evolution. He has already conquered individual accolades, but now his focus is on leadership, legacy, and lifting the Lakers back to the mountaintop. If his renewed commitment holds, the NBA could be witnessing the rise of a more mature, more dangerous version of Luka Doncic than ever before.
