Fit for the Future: Luka’s Offseason Grind and Upcoming Contract Extension
Luka Doncic formally reveals his slimmer and leaner physique on the latest issue of Men’s Health after months of intense offseason training.
Luka Doncic’s big offseason has only just begun. On top of his rigorous offseason workouts and dieting, Luka will have a decision to make on a potential contract extension with the Lakers that will be available to him on August 2nd. He will also participate in the upcoming Eurobasket tournament for Slovenia, held from August 27th to September 14th.
After the shocking midseason trade from the Mavericks to the Lakers and an early playoff exit, Luka seems to be as motivated as ever. The flurry of reports that had emerged in the aftermath of the trade about his conditioning surely added to his motivation to become the absolute best version of himself. Crazy enough, he was already considered a top-five player in the league.
LUKA 2.0
In an interview with NBC’s Today show, Luka mentioned he gave up playing basketball for about a month, something he says he’s never done.
He added that it was to put more focus and attention on his fitness routine.
“Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better…Basketball I played my whole life, so I won’t forget how to play basketball. We try other sports. I felt like it was a good thing.”
When discussing past criticism of his conditioning and the reports of his former team being upset with his fitness, Doncic tries to tune out the noise and focus on the now.
“I mean honestly, I try not to read much, you know, just trying to focus. I mean, I think I’m still a pretty good basketball player back then, no matter what people say. I think it was the next step in my career. In the end, I’m still 26, and you know, I got a long way to go, so that was a good step in my career.”
Doncic’s Future in Lakerland
As of now, Luka Doncic is in the midst of a promotional tour for the Jordan Brand. Doncic’s visits include New York City on July 29th, Chicago on August 1st, and finally Los Angeles on August 3rd, a day after he’s eligible to sign his extension with the Lakers.
According to numerous rumors and reports, Doncic is very likely to sign the extension. Whether he signs for four years or three, securing his long-term commitment as the face of the franchise cements a clearer vision for how the Lakers want to build for the next several years.
While Luka likely commits to the Lakers long-term, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that Doncic’s priority is to contend now and every year after. By no means is he looking to be complacent or patient. Luka, in past interviews, has been adamant in his desire to deliver a championship to the city of Los Angeles.
Luka’s preparedness, which he’s put into this offseason, and his anticipated extension with the Lakers are a signal he’s more than ready to elevate his game to help lead the Lakers back to title contention.
PHOTO: Jesse Johnson/Imagn Images
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Categorized:Lakers