Amid Luka Doncic's first training camp with head coach JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers, the five-time All-Star used three words to describe the experience. Austin Reaves will never forget Doncic's return to Dallas after the blockbuster trade from the Mavericks. Now, Reaves gets to see how Luka responds to his first training camp with the Redick-led Lakers.

Doncic took his time thinking of the best three words to describe Lakers training camp, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

“Fun. Excitement. Hard,” Doncic said.

Coming off a blindsided trade from the Mavericks to the Lakers and facing reported speculation regarding a weight issue, as well as questions about his leadership, Doncic has a lot to prove to his doubters in 2025-26. While Doncic received his first reps with the Lakers last season, expectations have risen, considering it'll be the first full season where LeBron James and Luka will look to guide Los Angeles into a deep playoff run amid a competitive Western Conference.

For Doncic, this year's training camp extends beyond his physical shape, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, as McMenamin noted.

“It’s not just physical shape. It’s mental shape, too,” Doncic said.

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The Lakers demonstrated their commitment by signing Doncic to a three-year, $165 million extension over the summer, cementing Luka as the face of the franchise and entering a new era. At the same time, Doncic made headlines for his new physique ahead of EuroBasket and the 2025-26 NBA season. Many are predicting an elite campaign from Luka as his bounce-back season from an injury-riddled campaign begins.

Luka Doncic agrees to three-year extension with Lakers

Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

For Luka Doncic, agreeing to a three-year extension with the Lakers was a no-brainer. Considering the opportunity to compete alongside LeBron James for at least one more season, Doncic is in a great position ahead of his prime years. Five years removed from James leading the Lakers to their last championship in 2020, Luka will look to take the mantle before what could be LeBron's last season in Los Angeles. He's entering the final year of his current deal.

Doncic is now under contract with the Lakers through 2028-29. He will be eligible for a five-year contract extension, expected to exceed $400 million in 2028, should he exercise his player option. Still, Lakers fans have plenty to look forward to in 2025-26.