Luka Dončić begins fresh with the Lakers, focusing on fitness as team posts $250K strength coach job to support reset.

In a dramatic turn of events in the 2025 NBA season, Luka Dončić, one of the league’s brightest stars, has started a new chapter in his career. After a high-profile trade that saw him leave the Dallas Mavericks and join the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić is facing a fresh challenge: improving his fitness and adopting a new approach to his conditioning. The Lakers, eager to capitalize on his immense talent, have emphasized a renewed focus on physical preparedness as a critical part of their pursuit of an NBA championship. A significant step in this direction is the team’s decision to post a job opening for a Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, with an enticing salary of up to $250,000 annually. This move highlights the Lakers’ commitment to ensuring that Dončić, as well as the rest of the roster, reaches peak physical condition in their quest for success.

The Trade: A New Beginning

When Luka Dončić was traded to the Lakers in early 2025, the basketball world was shocked. For years, Dončić had been the cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks franchise, and his departure marked a dramatic shift. On the surface, the trade appeared to be a win-win for both teams—Dončić was joining the most storied franchise in NBA history, and the Mavericks were getting an elite defender in Anthony Davis, who was seen as the perfect complement to superstar guard, Kyrie Irving.

However, reports from the Mavericks’ side of things revealed that there were deeper reasons behind the decision to part ways with Dončić. While his offensive brilliance was undeniable, concerns about his conditioning had been an ongoing issue for Dallas. Mavericks’ front-office executives were increasingly frustrated with Dončić’s reliance on personal medical teams rather than the team’s professionals. This tension, coupled with the need for a change in team culture, led to the trade.

For the Lakers, this was an opportunity to reunite one of the NBA’s most dynamic young players with LeBron James. But the question on everyone’s mind was whether Dončić could adopt the discipline needed to take his game to the next level—particularly when it came to physical fitness.

The Lakers’ Focus on Fitness

Under the leadership of head coach JJ Redick, who had previously played in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers have adopted a no-nonsense approach to fitness and player conditioning. Redick, known for his focus on precision and fundamentals, has openly stated that every player must reach “championship shape” if the team has any hope of succeeding in the highly competitive Western Conference.

This statement was particularly pointed when directed at Dončić. At 6’7″ and 230 pounds, Dončić has a natural talent that is obvious to anyone watching him on the court. However, he has often been criticized for his body composition and stamina. Despite his extraordinary skills, Dončić’s fitness level has been inconsistent. His body fat percentage and conditioning were cited as potential barriers to his sustained dominance over the course of an 82-game season and the grueling playoff schedule.

The Lakers, however, see Dončić’s potential to be a game-changer and have already begun investing in his future by bringing him into their rigorous training regimen. With LeBron James, one of the most physically disciplined athletes of all time, setting an example, Dončić’s transformation has begun. LeBron’s commitment to fitness, even at the age of 40, has been well-documented. Dončić is expected to follow suit.

A Personal Commitment to Conditioning

Luka Dončić, upon his arrival in Los Angeles, was keenly aware of the spotlight now focused on him—not just for his on-court abilities but also for his physical readiness. Reports indicated that he had spent a considerable amount of time rehabilitating his body from previous injuries and focusing on strengthening his core and lower body in particular. He had suffered multiple minor injuries in Dallas that affected his performance, and it was clear that in order to thrive with the Lakers, he needed to elevate his conditioning to the highest level.

Since joining the team, Dončić has shown a remarkable commitment to improving his fitness. He’s adhered to a comprehensive workout plan that includes daily weightlifting, shooting drills, and conditioning exercises. His routine begins early in the morning, with a regimen that includes bodywork, shooting practice, weight training, and cold tub recovery sessions to help with muscle repair.

This holistic approach to conditioning has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Sources within the Lakers organization have praised Dončić’s work ethic and his eagerness to improve. His focus on staying injury-free and developing his body to withstand the intensity of the NBA season has earned him the respect of his peers.

The $250K Job Posting: A Sign of the Lakers’ Commitment

Recognizing that improving Dončić’s fitness requires more than just individual effort, the Lakers front office has also taken concrete steps to ensure that their players—particularly their newly acquired star—receive top-tier training. In a move that underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, the Lakers posted a job opening for a Head Strength & Conditioning Coach with a salary of up to $250,000.

This new coach will be responsible for designing individualized strength and conditioning plans for every player on the roster, including Dončić. The role requires someone with extensive experience in elite-level training, and the Lakers are clearly prioritizing candidates who can work closely with their star players to help them achieve their physical potential.

For Dončić, this hire represents a crucial opportunity. The Lakers have already assembled a championship-caliber roster with the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and now Dončić, but they recognize that fitness and conditioning are key to sustaining success through the long grind of the regular season and into the playoffs. The addition of a top-tier strength coach reflects their determination to ensure that their stars are physically prepared to compete at the highest level.

The Road Ahead: A Championship Reset

The Lakers are entering a phase of strategic reset, with Dončić at the center of their plans for the future. While his arrival brings fresh energy and excitement, the reality is that the team’s success hinges not only on his scoring ability but also on his ability to perform consistently throughout an entire season and in high-pressure playoff situations.

Through his commitment to improving his fitness, Dončić is taking the first step toward maximizing his potential. His partnership with LeBron James and the development of a cohesive, well-conditioned roster could propel the Lakers back into the upper echelon of the NBA. If Dončić can adapt to the Lakers’ rigorous training system and elevate his physical conditioning, the team will be in a strong position to challenge for an NBA title in the coming seasons.

As the Lakers’ fitness-focused reset continues, the hiring of a dedicated Strength & Conditioning Coach and Dončić’s dedication to improving his health and performance will play a central role in shaping the team’s future. The $250,000 salary for this pivotal position reflects the importance the Lakers place on maximizing the potential of their players—especially Dončić—and ensuring that they remain healthy, strong, and ready for the rigors of playoff basketball.

In conclusion, Luka Dončić’s fresh start with the Lakers is more than just a new chapter in his career; it’s a chance for him to redefine his approach to fitness and take his game to unprecedented heights. The Lakers’ investment in a new strength coach further underscores their commitment to achieving championship glory. As Dončić continues to grow and develop both physically and mentally, the Lakers are positioning themselves to be a formidable force in the NBA for years to come.