Luka Doncic has heard the noise, but he’s no longer letting it define him. After years of catching flak for his conditioning and focus, the 26-year-old superstar is embracing a new chapter in his career. In a recent interview, Doncic acknowledged the criticism but made it clear that he’s never lost confidence in his game, even at his so-called “worst.” For Luka, this summer wasn’t about proving doubters wrong; it was about evolving into the version of himself that can carry the Lakers into a new era.
“Honestly, I try not to read much into it,” Doncic said on the TODAY Show. “I still think I was a pretty good basketball player back then, no matter what people say. But I think it was the next step of my career, and in the end, I’m still 26 and I have a long way to go.”
For Doncic, his career hit a low point back in February, when he was traded from the Mavericks in a shocking turn of events. Even at his “worst,” Doncic remained one of the league’s most dominant players with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. The justification for the deal was poor conditioning and work ethic from Doncic, whose flaws were exposed under the spotlight of the 2024 NBA Finals. It all led up to the Mavericks trading him last season in a deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
The move inspired Luka to get his act together, and what followed was a total physical and mental reset, one that’s already drawing rave reviews around the league and setting the stage for a career-defining season in Los Angeles.
According to the latest sightings, Doncic is in the best shape of his life thanks to a new training and diet regimen that has kept his body in peak condition. He’s also been working closely with the Lakers all summer long to ensure a seamless transition next season with LeBron James and a revamped roster.
As it stands, Doncic is set up to take revenge on the Mavericks and make them regret letting him go. Of course, he was still pretty good without this extra work. As a 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA player, and 1x scoring champion, he’s already accomplished more than most players, and the Mavericks will never get to know what they could have won with a few more years of his leadership.
In the end, Luka Doncic clearly isn’t just looking for redemption; he’s building a legacy. The pressure in Los Angeles is unlike anything he’s faced before, but this version of Luka seems ready for it. With a new body, a sharpened mindset, and a chip on his shoulder, Doncic has turned the page. If he delivers, the Lakers will have more than just a superstar, they’ll have their next great leader and someone who can join the ranks of countless legends who came before him.
If the Mavericks start to fall in the process? It might just make his revenge tour all the sweeter.
