JJ Redick and Luka Doncic (Photo by Imagn Images)
Luka Doncic’s body transformation was one of the most talked-about topics this offseason. He went from having a semblance of a dad bod to a fitness model seemingly overnight, and it was not just noticed around league circles. Even an Italian magazine claimed that Doncic is the ‘most complete player in basketball’ after seeing him dominate EuroBasket 2025.

But how serious is Luka on his recent pathway? Will he divert back to his old habits of getting out of shape once the season ends? For Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, he predicts that the new version of Doncic will probably stay.

“I get the sense from talking to him all summer, spending time with him not only just here but at the Backstreet Boys, that this is his life now, this is his routine, just a daily commitment to the new standard that he set for himself,” per JJ Redick on Full Court Pass on X.

For context, most superstars tend to take things more seriously when they enter their prime athletic years. Michael Jordan had to change his mentality after years of being bludgeoned by the Detroit Pistons. LeBron James had to become a more complete player after failing to elevate the Cavs. At 26, Luka Doncic is seemingly following that trajectory in his career. JJ Redick sure hopes so.

Luka Doncic Gets Candid About His Basketball Journey

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)
Nobody will ever doubt Doncic’s work ethic this offseason. He was arguably the best player in EuroBasket 2025, even though his home country, Slovenia, failed to win a medal. Aside from getting fit, the five-time all-star also signed a three-year $165 million extension with the Lakers. He then went on to splurge a cool $25 million for a SoCal mansion that was previously owned by a former tennis star.

In addition, Luka has been more open on his basketball journey with the media. He already has a dream retirement plan with Real Madrid, his former European team. His plans weren’t surprising, since Doncic has been known to spend his summers in either Slovenia or Spain.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.