Luka Doncic Talks About His Fitness Ahead of EuroBasket with Slovenia

A Shift in Offseason Approach

After signing a max contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic didn’t waste time celebrating. Following a brief stop in Las Vegas, where he caught a Backstreet Boys show with teammates, Doncic headed to Slovenia to begin preparation for EuroBasket.

Now training with his national team, Doncic faced familiar questions about his conditioning. Speaking to Slovenian outlet SIOL.net, as translated by Eurohoops.net, the All-NBA guard addressed his physical transformation.

“There have always been questions about my fitness, but I thought I was playing great before, too,” Doncic said. “This year we approached things differently. Last summer was rough — I played until June and then jumped straight into Olympic qualifiers. This time, I had more time and a better plan.”

Workout Routine Becoming Habit

Doncic noted that while his new training schedule was initially difficult, consistency helped him adjust.

“It wasn’t easy at first, but then it becomes a habit. We’ll see how it translates to games — I haven’t played since the NBA season ended, and I’ve only just started scrimmaging again,” he explained.

His comments mirrored similar statements made during his media availability in Los Angeles. With improved conditioning, Doncic could operate more efficiently and perhaps avoid the midseason fatigue that has occasionally plagued him in the past.

Eyes on EuroBasket and the NBA Season

Doncic and Slovenia will face Germany in a set of exhibition games before opening EuroBasket play on August 28against Poland. For Lakers head coach J.J. Redick, maintaining Doncic’s health, along with that of LeBron James, will be key throughout the long NBA season.

If Doncic’s improved fitness leads to better endurance and fewer injuries, he may elevate his game to another level. All eyes will be on his performance in EuroBasket as a preview of what could come in the 2025–26 NBA season.