Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean discussed Luka Doncic's improved shape and its impact on his game, revealing that better stamina towards the end of games will be one of the main goals for the Slovenian superstar in the upcoming NBA season.
While most of the NBA players and coaches enjoy the offseason, some continue their hard work during the summer.
One of them is the Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean, who joined the Slovenia national team ahead of the upcoming EuroBasket 2025.
For St. Jean, it isn't the first summer with Luka Doncic's Slovenia, as he worked with the team back in 2022, but it will be the first time he'll join in the main tournament.
"This is the first time in real competition, but I'm loving it. And everybody's treating me with a lot of respect. I'm enjoying spending a lot of time with all the young players and coaches," St. Jean told BasketNews after Slovenia's friendly game with Lithuania.
Connection with Luka Doncic: From Dallas to Slovenia
That being said, it's definitely not the first time St. Jean's paths have crossed with Doncic.
Both of them worked together in Dallas for two years (from 2021 to 2023) before being unexpectedly reunited this year after Doncic's blockbuster trade to the Lakers.
St. Jean on Luka Doncic's Growth in the NBA
"I think all the great players, they always add more to their game, and they continue to evolve and mature. Luka's done that every season he's been in the NBA," St. Jean said about Doncic's growth throughout the years.
"You know, it's a blessing to be able to coach him again. And he's an even better player than when I first coached him," he added.
The 'Skinny Luka' Transformation
One thing Doncic definitely improved was his shape. The 'Skinny Luka' was one of the hottest topics this summer, with reports suggesting that the Lakers star lost 31 pounds.
Nevertheless, St. Jean believes we haven't seen the new version of Doncic just yet.
"I think it's still a work in progress," St. Jean told BasketNews. "I think the summer's not over yet. And he's going to continue to get better. I think we'll continue to see as he gets more in-game shape with some rhythm."
Credit SIPA/Scanpix
"He's been doing a lot of training, and now he's going to be playing five-on-five competition. His game last week [the conversation took place on Friday] was the first time he's played five-on-five in a long time.
"So it's a work in progress. We'll continue to see him play more and more, and as the tournament progresses, and then getting ready for the Lakers season," the Lakers coach continued.
Work in Progress: Doncic's Conditioning and Stamina
One of the criticisms Doncic received was his conditioning. Sometimes, the Lakers' superstar appeared visibly tired at the end of the games, struggling to sustain the pace he had shown in the 1st halves.
St. Jean says improved stamina is one of Luka's goals for the upcoming season.
"I think he's done a fantastic job working hard the entire summer. And that's something that we're going to wait and see. But that's the goal, right, is for him to continue to be able to push and play," he said.
"He's somebody who plays a lot of heavy minutes, and he carries a heavy load. So that's going to be important for him as he continues to improve his conditioning. But we're really proud of him and he's done a great job so far," St. Jean concluded.
We Got Our First Look At Skinny Luka
Edvinas Jablonskis
Edvinas Jablonskis began his basketball coverage career in 2017. Starting as a Daily Writer for BasketNews.lt, he steadily climbed the ranks and became a Daily Editor for BasketNews.com in 2021, a position he continues to hold. Over the years, Jablonskis has covered multiple EuroLeague Final Fours and international tournaments, including the FIBA EuroBasket, FIBA Basketball World Cup, and FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
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