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Luka Doncic is entering his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers in the best shape of his career, and according to assistant coach Greg St. Jean, LeBron James deserves credit for helping push the Slovenian superstar to transform his body.
“You know what? I always find this — iron sharpens iron,” St. Jean told BasketNews. “When you’re around really good players, it’s just like when you’re a coach, and you’re around a really good coach. You can’t help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft.
“I think Luka’s learned a little bit from every great player he’s been around. And I know he’s always looked up to LeBron.
“He’s always been somebody he’s really admired. So I think having those two together is obviously motivating. I think it’s two-way motivating as well. I don’t think it’s just a one-way street.”
The 26-year-old guard underwent a dramatic transformation this summer, reportedly shedding more than 31 pounds. His dedication came just months after he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to Los Angeles in February, where he now shares the floor with the 40-year-old James.
“I think LeBron, you can see, is working really hard as well. He’s up at 5 a.m., and he’s working on his body as well,” St. Jean continued. “So, I think our team and our players — it’s not just about those two guys — but I think everybody’s motivated to come back and have a really good season.”
Through three EuroBasket 2025 games, Doncic is averaging 33.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 3.3 steals. He also became just the fifth player in history to record a triple-double at EuroBasket, joining Stojko Vrankovic, Toni Kukoc, Rares Mandache, and Mateusz Ponitka.
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