After being criticized for his shortcomings on defense all offseason, Luka Doncic showcased incredible defensive discipline during a recent friendly matchup against Latvia.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as How Much The Los Angeles Lakers Will Pay Luka Doncic Next NBA Season. Luka Doncic is going into his first full season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Following a whirlwind season, he will now be able to start fresh.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks back at Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) after driving the baseline with an off-balanced score in the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 9, 2025.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Los Angeles Lakers have hired Jeremy Holsopple as their head strength and conditioning coach, this coming after an over-decade tenure with the Mavericks, including when Doncic was on the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up Luka Doncic for the long term, signing him to a three-year extension. Now, he is officially the face of the franchise. Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA, and now he has spent an entire offseason with the Lakers. He has also been getting into the best shape of their life.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic discussed meeting Michael Jordan for the first time, saying he's just a normal guy.

The teams now forever intertwined by last season’s shocking trade are set to match up four times next season, beginning with an NBA Cup matchup in Los Angeles on Nov. 28. However, Dallas fans will have to wait until Jan. 24 to again welcome Doncic back to Texas when the teams face off for the second time.

The Los Angeles Lakers hired a former Dallas Mavericks coach who comes with a stellar resume. Jeremy Holsopple is taking up the head strength and conditioning