One LA Lakers and Slovenia coach has worked with Luka Doncic for a long time, and has set some goals for him next season.
Luka Doncic has taken some big steps to address his biggest critics this offseason. After months of being slammed for his conditioning, the Slovenian superstar would get to work.
Doncic would unveil a new physique this offseason, showing off the hard work he put in to get into the best shape of his career.
As Doncic signed a $165 million Lakers extension, he wanted to ensure that he would be the best physical version of himself heading into the new season.
And that is exactly the plan for him, as a long-time coach of Doncic who joined him on the Lakers and the Slovenian national team, shed light on his approach.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty ImagesGreg St. Jean says Luka Doncic will prioritize conditioning with LA Lakers
Greg St. Jean, an LA Lakers assistant coach who joined the Slovenian national team staff, spoke in an interview with BasketNews about Luka Doncic and his recent physical transformation.
St. Jean praised the hard work Luka Doncic has done, but noted that he will have to continue working on his conditioning throughout the season with the Lakers.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job working hard the entire summer. And that’s something that we’re going to wait and see. But that’s the goal, right, is for him to continue to be able to push and play.
“He’s somebody who plays a lot of heavy minutes, and he carries a heavy load. So that’s going to be important for him as he continues to improve his conditioning. But we’re really proud of him and he’s done a great job so far.”
St. Jean has been an assistant coach for Doncic’s team since 2021, when he was with the Dallas Mavericks. And just months before Doncic joined the Lakers, St. Jean accepted a role on JJ Redick’s coaching staff.
Greg St. Jean says physical transformation is still a ‘work in progress’
Greg St. Jean added that Luka Doncic’s physical transformation is far from over. And his time with the Slovenian team at EuroBasket is just a chapter in what his long-term goal is.
“I think it’s still a work in progress. I think the summer’s not over yet. And he’s going to continue to get better. I think we’ll continue to see as he gets more in-game shape with some rhythm.
“He’s been doing a lot of training, and now he’s going to be playing five-on-five competition. His game last week [the conversation took place on Friday] was the first time he’s played five-on-five in a long time.
“So it’s a work in progress. We’ll continue to see him play more and more, and as the tournament progresses, and then getting ready for the Lakers season.”
Unfortunately, Doncic sustained an injury after this interview. But given the severity of the situation, the superstar has made a decision.
Luka Doncic intends to remain with Slovenia and play through the injury. Hopefully, this situation won’t interfere with his upcoming season with the LA Lakers.