The Los Angeles Lakers fully understand that supporting roles in Hollywood are just as important as the lead acts. That is why their acquisition of Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach should prove incredibly impactful for the franchise.
Not only does adding another member to the organization that has ties to Luka Doncic reassure their superstar of his position of trust within the franchise, it should have practical benefits too. Medical expert Jeff Stotts explained the type of impact Holsopple can have for the Lakers players.
Stotts said, "Part of it is just the credentials that Jeremy brings with him. He was a longtime strength and conditioning coach, working with Casey Smith in Dallas to form a medical staff that was highly respected. ... The [Dallas] Mavericks ranked seventh in the league for fewest games lost due to injury."
During the same span when Holsopple was with the Mavericks, Stotts mentioned the Lakers ranked 24th in the NBA. The roster employed in Los Angeles certainly has a few injury concerns that will now benefit from the new addition, and yet another moment of the Lakers fleecing the Mavericks.
Lakers’ title hopes hinge on staying healthy all season long
Doncic is coming off his least active season in the NBA. During 2024-25, the Slovenian superstar only managed to play 55 games collectively between his time with the Mavericks and Lakers during the regular season and playoffs.
The incredible body transformation for Doncic passes the eye test in terms of optics. Now, Holsopple can help bring practical results to the table as well for the Lakers superstar.
Doncic is far from the only injury concern on the roster. In case you have not heard, LeBron James is old. The all-time great will turn 41 years old before then end of 2025.
James has been mostly available, playing at least 70 games, in each of the past two seasons. However, the Lakers superstars has not escaped the little nagging injuries during that time. Plus, the three seasons before that all involved James battling ailments as Father Time desperately tries to keep up with the ageless wonder.
It's not just the two superstars who bring concerns with them either. Jarred Vanderbilt has been a significant question mark when it comes to health. Marcus Smart has struggled to stay on the court in recent seasons too. Deandre Ayton is not free of troubles either.
Minimizing the damage that injuries can have on the Lakers' upcoming campaign will be huge. Los Angeles has taken the necessary steps to try and protect their players ahead of 2025-26.