Lakers Embrace Intense Conditioning to Reach Championship Shape

The Los Angeles Lakers, under second-year head coach JJ Redick, are emphasizing rigorous physical conditioning as part of their "championship shape" mandate heading into the 2025 season. Superstar Luka Doncic has notably transformed his body through intense workouts and dietary changes, embodying this new team philosophy focused on physical and mental readiness. Redick has implemented challenging conditioning drills during training camp, including demanding full-court sprints, to enhance the team's pace, defensive sprinting, and physicality throughout games. The Lakers are also integrating new key players like center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart while maintaining continuity with existing core players such as Rui Hachimura. This concerted focus on conditioning and team chemistry comes after last season's 50-win campaign ended in a first-round playoff exit, fueling the Lakers' internal drive to improve beyond just roster changes. The team’s preseason preparation reflects a commitment to building championship habits and communication alongside physical fitness as they aim to contend in the competitive Western Conference.