Luka Dončić reveals the secret of Los Angeles’ success

Luka Dončić he did not hold back when asked Fr Los Angeles Lakers and their biggest key to success in the new NBA season. His insight into the Lakers’ mindset caught the attention of players and analysts alike. Despite a disappointing 1–5 NBA preseason, this Lakers team continued to show flashes of brilliance and encouraging signs of chemistry and rhythm.. However, Doncic pointed to one key area that could determine how far they go when the games start to count: physicality.

Speaking to reporters after the recent performance of the Lakers in the NBA preseason, Doncic emphatically the difference between practice and live competition. “I mean, obviously the practice is different,” he said. “And I think the exercises were more physical.” For him, that level of toughness isn’t just a small detail, it’s the foundation of championship-level basketball. Therefore, the Lakers, now built around Doncic’s all-around brilliance and a retooled supporting cast, must rely on that edge if they want to dominate through 82 games.

Luka Doncic on what the Lakers lacked most in the preseason that they will need to succeed in the regular season: “Obviously, I mean physicality” pic.tvitter.com/uTkUejIOIK

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 18, 2025

Furthermore, Doncic admitted that despite his improvements in the preseason, there is still room for growth. “I say sometimes we have to work on our physicality,” he added. His comment was not a criticism, but a challenge to the entire roster. The Lakers have size, experience and skill, but maintaining a physical intensity throughout the season separates the contenders from the contenders.

At the same time, observers noted that the Luke Doncic era of the Lakers brings a mixture of European precision and Los Angeles spirit. However, as Dončić pointed out, just a flash will not be enough. The team must win battles inside the paint, on loose balls and in defensive rotations. This is where the physicality is most important, the dirty work is played which incites the climax.

As the regular season approaches, the Lakers continue to refine their rhythm. However, given that Luka Dončić set the tone both on and off the field, there is no doubt that the message got through. The question now is whether this team can turn that awareness into dominance when the real games begin.