The 26-year-old All-Star entered this offseason determined to redefine himself. After shedding 31 pounds through a strict diet and rigorous training, Luka Doncic has transformed into a leaner, more disciplined athlete. But his commitment goes far beyond the gym. With his new mindset and body, Doncic is staking his claim as the undisputed leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, a team hungry to bounce back from an early playoff exit.

This offseason transformation isn’t just about quelling the critics who once questioned his conditioning and off-court habits. Luka is sending a clear message to the entire Lakers organization: championship or nothing.

Luka Doncic recently sat down with Complex News’ Jordan Rose for an interview where the conversation turned to his mindset and motivation. Rose brought up some of the viral memes that have floated around in recent years—like “Hookah Doncic”—and asked what truly drives him at this stage of his career.

Luka didn’t flinch at the mention of the memes. Instead, he kept it straightforward: “I mean, just being the best that I can be. You know, nothing specific from outside,” he explained. “Obviously, athletes need to relax. Sometimes, you know, you can’t just be working every day. You know, just being the best that I can be.”

The Mavericks once reportedly labeled him “fat” and “lazy”, a “fat, lazy beer drinker,” even a “fat, lazy, beer-drinking hookah smoker.” Some went as far as to joke about him feasting on a 77-ounce New York strip steak alongside a Slovenian specialty of cheesy, creamy sliced potatoes.

The Mavericks’ handling of Luka’s habits was heavy-handed. There was that odd moment last season when executive Michael Finley took a beer from Doncic’s hand after a 36-point game, seemingly worried he might be hungover for the NBA Finals opener against Boston. But Luka didn’t let it bother him. Instead, Luka laughed it off, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, a stickler for nutrition and healthy living, reportedly grew uneasy about offering Luka a max contract, helping push the trade to the Lakers.

Meanwhile, Luka went to work, two-a-day workouts, intermittent fasting, no gluten, minimal sugar, and a ton of protein. The result is a noticeably shredded physique, confirmed by Men’s Health, and a clear message: he’s locked in.

Luka’s three-year, $165 million extension confirmed that. So did his influence on offseason moves, helping bring in Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. He is actively reshaping the surrounding roster.

And with JJ Redick entering his second season as head coach, Doncic has embraced the change, he said, “I think he is a hell of a coach,” Doncic said back in May. “Not many coaches do the stuff he did in his first year. His rookie year, however you want to say it. I am glad that I got coached by him, for a couple months. I feel sometimes like I am back in Europe a little bit. So, I love it. We have a great bond. It’s been nothing but amazing having him as a coach.”

Doncic sets the standard for LeBron & co

Sitting down with Darren M. Haynes on Sports Central, Doncic was asked point-blank if there was something missing from his game last season that he’s ready to bring this year. His answer was as focused as his new routine. “Championship,” Luka said. “That’s our goal, that should be always the goal. Obviously, we were not in the first round, but that always is championship.”

Haynes pressed further, how badly does he want LeBron James with him on this mission? Doncic replied, “Of course. I mean, he’s one of the best players ever. So just for having him there, you know, it’s going to help all of us, not just me, but every player, all the staff, you know, is going to help us win because he knows what to do to win.”

There’s no gray area in Doncic’s words. He wants LeBron at his side. He understands what it means to have one of the GOATs by his side, and how much LeBron can help in his mission to land his first-ever championship. 

Likewise, LeBron, who is entering his 23rd year, exercised his $52.6 million player option. Moreover, according to insiders, James has remained in constant communication with Doncic all summer. Hence, while there might be plenty of questions over where James will be once the upcoming season ends, the focus is clear for the new campaign. Luka Doncic wants to win, and LeBron James being his teammate only increases the chances of that happening.