The Lakers have hired former Mavericks strength coach! Scouts are optimistic about Doncic: next season he will be the MVP and scoring champion.

On August 12, Beijing time, renowned journalist Marc Stein reported that the Lakers will hire Jeremy Holsopple as the team's strength coach. Holsopple previously served as the Director of Athletic Performance for the Mavericks and won the NBA's Best Strength Coach award in March 2021, but was later let go by the Mavericks. It is said that he has a close personal relationship with Doncic.

An NBA scout who watched the Slovenia vs. Germany warm-up game was amazed by the performance of Lakers superstar Doncic after losing weight, calling his condition "incredible." Doncic played 24 minutes in that game, scoring 19 points, with 5 assists and 3 rebounds. It was previously reported that he has lost 14 kilograms.

“Man, he looks fantastic,” the NBA scout told the Dallas Basketball Daily, “He’s faster, more explosive, and his ability to drive past defenders has become much easier. I feel like he’s on a mission, and I believe he will win the regular season MVP and scoring title next season. He wants to get back at Dallas because they basically body-shamed him.” Doncic led the NBA scoring chart in the 2023-24 season with an average of 33.9 points.

The Mavericks traded Doncic last season because General Manager Harrison was dissatisfied with the five-time All-Star's weight, diet, work ethic, and physical condition.

As one of the best players in the NBA, Doncic played 28 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

The Lakers were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs after five games, but despite Doncic being “out of shape” at the time, he performed excellently on the offensive end, averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.

The 26-year-old Doncic has signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers. During this offseason, he also recruited Ayton and Smart to join Los Angeles.

“I am very grateful to the Lakers, my teammates, and the fans for all the support and kindness they have shown me and my family from day one,” Doncic said after signing the extension. “This is an amazing team, and I truly believe in what we are building together.”

“I will continue to give my all to bring another championship to Los Angeles and make the Lakers nation proud. This is just the beginning. I am excited about the future and look forward to creating more special achievements with this team.”

Doncic's current career averages are 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. His average points rank third in NBA history, behind legendary players Michael Jordan (30.12 points) and Wilt Chamberlain (30.07 points).

Doncic is eager to win his first NBA championship; he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they lost to the Celtics with a total score of 1-4.