"It's the same thing": Lakers coach makes sensational Luka Doncic-Michael Jordan comparison over body transformation 

Lakers assistant coach compares Luka Doncic
Lakers assistant coach compares Luka Doncic's body transformation to Michael Jordan's (Image Source: IMAGN)

Luka Doncic's body transformation was one of the most talked-about headlines in the NBA's offseason. The LA Lakers star took his time and made sure he didn't waste his summer. Doncic paid extra attention to his conditioning, since it's one of the aspects that gets heavily criticized.

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Due to his transformation, there are new expectations for Doncic and the Lakers. Most fans and analysts are waiting on how he'll maintain his new look throughout the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season.

On Thursday, Lakers' lead assistant coach Nate McMillan appeared as a guest on the radio show "The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac." During his appearance, McMillan spoke highly of Doncic's body transformation. He went as far as to compare it to Michael Jordan, who had to put on some muscle in 1990.

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Jordan's transformation was because of his tough and physical battles against the 'Bad Boys' Pistons. The Detroit Pistons put a physical and mental toll on some of the stars they played against due to their brand of basketball. For Jordan to get over them, he dedicated a lot of his time in the gym to add strength and power.

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“He looks fantastic,” McMillan said about Doncic. “I think with everything that has happened in the past year, it’s a challenge for him. ... It’s just like Michael, he makes the comment years ago that the Pistons just beat him up. So he had to get into the weight room. It’s the same thing with Luka.”
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With Luka Doncic's new look, many experts vocalized how impressed they are with his commitment. However, there are some, like Stephen A. Smith, who have questioned whether he'll be able to stay in shape throughout the regular season.


Luka Doncic doesn't want to wait to play for an NBA title

One of the main focuses for the Lakers with Luka Doncic is to compete for an NBA championship. They believe that Doncic is their ticket to add another Larry O'Brien trophy under their name. However, they aren't looking to contend anytime soon.

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With the moves they made this summer, it doesn't look like the Lakers will be contenders this season. According to reports, they are waiting for the 2027 offseason to try to sign a superstar who can serve as Doncic's partner. But the five-time All-Star doesn't want to wait until the 2027 summer.

According to an ESPN article on Wednesday, Doncic told team president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick that he isn't looking to be patient.

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"I don't want to wait," Doncic said. "I had a taste of the Finals. I am getting back there. So, let's do whatever we can now."

Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and faced the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, they couldn't finish the job.

Doncic wants to return to that level of play and wants the Lakers to be on the same page as him.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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