For the second season in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. In 2025, the Lakers lost the series to the Minnesota Timber Wolves 4-1.
The 2024-25 season was JJ Reddick’s first season as head coach. On Thursday, he ended his Lakers season by speaking with the media. Redick mentioned how the 2025-26 roster should be in “a championship form.” He didn’t specifically mention one player, but it’s well known that he was referring to Luka Donsic.
Will Luka Doncic take his conditioning seriously in his first offseason with the Lakers?
JJ Redick says the Lakers roster will need to “take the championship form” during the offseason @mcts pic.twitter.com/z9escqx6ug
– Legionhoops (@legionhoops) May 1, 2025
Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke with the media on Thursday to close Los Angeles’ 2024-25 season. Redick mentioned how all players on the roster must be in the 2025-26 “Championship form.” He pointed out that while some players already have “amazing shapes” this season, others have something to do. Without directly saying his name, JJ Redick is calling for Luka Doncic. It’s not the first time his poor condition has caught up with him.
That’s partly why Mavericks GM Nico Harrison traded Don Chic for the Lakers. Luka Doncic is the top five player in the NBA and there is no denying it. Undoubtedly, his most notable flaw is his conditioning. He’s an All-NBA talent, but his preparation for the offseason is not where he needs to be. The Lakers hope that players like LeBron James will influence Donsic and take care of their bodies this offseason.
James has the player option to return to the Lakers from 2025-26. General Manager Rob Perinka knows James is watching to see how James improves this offseason. Next year will be his 23-day NBA record season. Los Angeles requires James to take Don Sic under his wings and turn his lifestyle over. James was able to play 22 professional seasons due to the way he cared for his body. The Lakers want to do the same for Donsic. Will Luka change this offseason?