The Los Angeles Lakers have made another headline-grabbing move in their evolving transformation into a Luka Dončić-centered team, and this time it’s not about a trade or free agency signing—it’s about the man behind the scenes who could be just as pivotal to their future success. Jeremy Holsopple, the 2021 NBA Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, is officially joining the Lakers as their new head strength and conditioning coach. Holsopple’s hiring is notable not only for his stellar professional track record but also because of his history with Dončić during their shared time with the Dallas Mavericks. The reunion is sure to raise eyebrows, especially considering the complex history between the two and the circumstances of Holsopple’s eventual departure from Dallas. The move signals that the Lakers are fully committed to building an infrastructure around Luka that maximizes his potential, maintains his health, and keeps him performing at an elite level deep into the grueling NBA season.
When Holsopple first joined the Mavericks, he quickly developed a reputation as one of the top performance specialists in the league. His approach wasn’t just about heavy lifting or generic conditioning—it was a highly scientific, data-driven methodology that emphasized functional movement, injury prevention, and optimizing the unique biomechanics of each player. By the 2020–21 season, the results were speaking for themselves. Dallas was one of the better-conditioned teams in the league, with key players showing improved endurance and reduced injury setbacks. It was during this stretch that Holsopple won the NBA Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year Award, a testament to both his expertise and the respect he commanded from peers across the league.
His relationship with Luka Dončić during those years was closely observed by fans and insiders alike. Luka, an undeniable generational talent, has also faced scrutiny over his physical conditioning since entering the league. His skill level was never in question, but critics often pointed to issues with endurance, weight management, and the occasional sluggish start to seasons. Holsopple was among those tasked with ensuring Luka was in optimal shape to handle the rigors of an 82-game season plus playoffs. While they did see positive stretches, the partnership also had its challenges, and when Nico Harrison took over as the Mavericks’ general manager, Holsopple was among the staff members who were let go. Some reports even suggested that Harrison viewed him as part of the group that had not pushed Luka hard enough on conditioning, labeling him as an “enabler” of certain habits.
Fast forward to 2025, and the dynamics could not be more intriguing. Luka Dončić is now the centerpiece of the Lakers’ future, having been acquired in a blockbuster move that effectively signaled the beginning of the end of the LeBron James era in Los Angeles. LeBron, while still an active and valuable presence, has openly acknowledged that the team is shifting toward a Luka-led identity. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, appears determined to give Luka every possible advantage, not just on the court with roster construction but also off the court with infrastructure and personnel decisions. Bringing in Holsopple is a clear sign that they are betting on a familiar face who knows Luka’s strengths and weaknesses inside and out.
This reunion comes with a mix of optimism and skepticism. On one hand, Holsopple’s expertise and familiarity with Luka could help fast-track his integration into the Lakers’ program, making for a smoother transition in playing style and fitness regimen. Holsopple understands Luka’s tendencies, his recovery patterns, and the specific types of conditioning work that yield results for him. This could be invaluable in fine-tuning Luka’s performance, particularly late in games and in high-stakes playoff situations where conditioning often determines outcomes. On the other hand, skeptics will point to their history in Dallas and question whether this partnership will truly bring out the best version of Luka physically.
From the Lakers’ perspective, the risk is calculated. Holsopple’s resume speaks for itself, and Los Angeles is betting that in a new environment—with higher stakes, different organizational culture, and the intense spotlight of L.A.—both he and Luka will take conditioning to the next level. The Lakers are not just looking to keep Luka healthy; they’re looking to maximize every ounce of his athleticism to complement his unparalleled basketball IQ and skill set. In today’s NBA, where players log heavy minutes, travel constantly, and face elite-level competition nightly, the role of a strength and conditioning coach is arguably as critical as any assistant coach on the bench.
The Lakers’ decision also aligns with their broader shift toward a modern, sports science-driven approach to player performance. Over the past decade, the NBA has moved beyond the era of generic weight training toward individualized programs that account for everything from muscle imbalances to sleep patterns. Holsopple’s background in performance analytics and functional movement screening fits perfectly with this trend. Expect the Lakers to integrate advanced monitoring systems, from GPS tracking in practice to in-game biometric analysis, all aimed at ensuring players are peaking at the right moments in the season. Luka, who thrives when he’s fresh and engaged, could see significant benefits if this program is executed correctly.
There’s also the psychological aspect to consider. Trust between a star player and the performance staff is essential. For Luka, who has just made a monumental career shift by leaving Dallas and joining one of the league’s most high-profile franchises, having someone he knows and has worked with before could be grounding. The NBA season can be a mental grind as much as a physical one, and a familiar, trusted face in Holsopple could help Luka adapt to the new pressures of leading the Lakers. It’s worth noting that even though their Dallas tenure together ended with questions, professional relationships evolve. Luka is older now, more experienced, and potentially more receptive to pushing his conditioning to the limits necessary to compete for championships year in and year out.
The broader league will be watching closely. If this reunion leads to Luka entering the 2025–26 season in the best shape of his career, it will be seen as a masterstroke by the Lakers’ front office. It could also reignite conversations around the Mavericks’ handling of their superstar’s conditioning in past seasons. If, however, Luka continues to face questions about endurance or physical readiness, critics will argue that Los Angeles has repeated a mistake Dallas once made.
For Holsopple himself, this is a significant career opportunity. The Lakers brand carries a level of visibility and expectation unmatched in the NBA. Every win, every loss, every perceived change in a star player’s performance will be scrutinized by media and fans worldwide. If he succeeds in getting Luka into peak form and helps the Lakers make a deep playoff run, it could cement his legacy as one of the premier performance coaches in professional basketball.
In the grander scheme of Lakers history, this hire may seem like a small detail compared to the blockbuster trades and free-agent signings that make the headlines. But those who follow the NBA closely know that championships are often won not just by star power but by the infrastructure built around those stars. The right strength and conditioning coach can extend careers, reduce injury risks, and keep players performing at their best when it matters most. With LeBron’s career winding down, Anthony Davis still central to their plans, and Luka positioned as the franchise cornerstone for the next decade, keeping their core healthy is the ultimate priority.
This move also underscores how far the Lakers have come in embracing a holistic view of team building. They are not simply collecting talent; they are building a system designed to nurture and protect that talent. Whether it’s state-of-the-art training facilities, top-tier medical staff, or elite-level conditioning expertise, the Lakers are signaling that they are leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of future championships.
For Luka, this could be the start of a new chapter where physical limitations no longer hold back his potential. If Holsopple and the Lakers’ performance team can help him sustain energy and sharpness throughout the long NBA grind, we might see Dončić reach heights that even his staunchest supporters haven’t yet imagined. And if that happens, this reunion in Los Angeles won’t just be a side note in the Lakers’ offseason—it will be remembered as one of the key moves that shaped the next great era of purple-and-gold basketball.
