Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is pleased with Luka DonÄić’s mindset is heading into the 2025-26 season.
“There’s a ton of excitement for the opportunity to coach the best version of him and get the best version of him on a daily basis,” he told reporters Monday. “And I’ve got to bring that out, it’s a part of my job. I’ve talked to him since day one about that. But he’s in a clear-headed space, his body is really good. He’s motivated by winning. I know this because I talk to him about it all the time. He’s motivated by winning, and if we win at a high level, he will be in that conversation for MVP.”
DonÄić has looked noticeably slimmer since last season, perhaps motivated by the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking decision to trade him and the subsequent reports that they weren’t happy with how he maintained his body.
Like a jilted lover, DonÄić has had a post-breakup glow-up, and the Lakers are hoping he can lead them to a title this season. Even in his previous form he was a menace for opponents, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.2 steals between the Mavs and Lakers last season, shooting 45 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three.
The team’s title hopes may ultimately rest on LeBron James’ health and whether they have a good enough supporting cast, but DonÄić seems primed for a big campaign.