Lakers Coach Credits Teammate for Luka’s Body Transformation
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has turned heads this offseason with a dramatic 31-pound weight loss, one of the biggest storylines for the team ahead of the 2025-26 season. Analysts have attributed the transformation to criticism about his body and off-court habits during his time in Dallas before being traded to the Lakers midseason.
But Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean said the influence of veteran LeBron James has been just as significant.
“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.”
James’ world-class body care has been widely reported, contributing to his longevity in the league. The soon-to-be 41-year-old has reportedly spent $1.5 million annually on body care and training.
“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 said. “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.”
Diet, Fasting and Training
According to Slovenian Pop TV, Dončić has shed an average of more than 10 pounds per month since the Lakers’ season ended in April. In a Men’s Health magazine cover interview, he revealed following a 16-hour intermittent fasting schedule six days a week.
Each day except Sunday, Dončić fasts from 8:30 p.m. until noon the following day, with his first workout scheduled at the end of the fasting window. His diet focuses on gluten-free, low-sugar foods, with at least 250 grams of protein daily and a shake made with almond milk. He has also incorporated plant-based foods into his regimen and took a month off from basketball to recover physically and mentally.
On-Court Impact
Dončić said he expects the offseason changes to improve his conditioning and overall performance.
“I would just say a little bit of everything,” Dončić told reporters. “Obviously, a little bit faster. But I don’t know, just trying to help the team condition-wise. Obviously, playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think that’s going to be the best for me.”
The transformation appears to be paying off.
Dončić is leading all scorers in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, averaging 32.4 points per game. He also leads in efficiency (35.4) and ranks second in assists (8.4). Notably, he is also leading the tournament in steals, averaging 3.2 per game, and helped Slovenia advance to the Round of 16 with 16 steals in the group stage.
As the Lakers prepare for the new season, Dončić’s improved conditioning and the mentorship of James are expected to be key factors in the team’s performance. Observers will be watching whether the combination of offseason discipline and veteran influence translates to on-court success in Los Angeles.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill Sends Blunt Message on Brutal Loss to Colts
The NFL season is off and running, but there is no reason to celebrate in South Beach.
The Miami Dolphins were crushed 33-8 against Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, who nearly doubled Miami in total scrimmage yards.
Star receiver Tyreek Hill is not happy and was visibly frustrated during the game.
Postgame, he had a blunt message.
“This was a big kick in the balls for us,” Hill told reporters.
Tyreek Hill Visibly Frustrated on Miami Sideline
Hill, 31, had a team-high 40 receiving yards with four catches on Sunday.
In Week 18 last season, Hill pulled himself from the Dolphins’ lineup and hinted at wanting to move on, citing his belief that Miami wasn’t a true contender.
“This is the first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters in January. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m gonna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.”
But headed into the season, Hill said he was content with his situation in Miami.
And still, that didn’t stop him from throwing a fit on the sidelines Sunday.
Sideline frustration is natural in the middle of a blowout, but Hill’s visible reactions to the Dolphins’ struggles will draw extra scrutiny—particularly if the team doesn’t turn things around soon.
Miserable Sunday of Injuries for the Dolphins
It was a miserable Sunday for the Dolphins on the injury front, as well.
They lost right guard James Daniels to a pectoral injury on its third offensive snap, while cornerback Storm Duck was carted to the locker room late in the first half with a left ankle injury. Neither returned.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards but threw two interceptions and lost a fumble on one of three sacks. The Dolphins managed just 78 rushing yards, while Hill and Jaylen Waddle were limited to eight catches for 70 yards combined.
Waddle appeared to injure his shoulder or arm during a reception Sunday. No official update has been provided by the Dolphins.
The Indianapolis Colts Provided the Surprise of the Day
The Colts couldn’t have had a better performance on the day Indianapolis recognized the contributions of team owner Jim Irsay, who died in May.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Jones, who attempts to lead the Colts at QB after years with the New York Giants, accounted for three touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air. Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards—including a career-best 197 in the first half—as Indy scored on all seven drives.
The Colts’ win snapped the NFL’s longest active opening-day drought at 11 games, giving them a 1-0 start for the first time since 2013.
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo made an impressive debut, with the Colts coming within six and a half minutes of securing their first shutout since December 2021.
