The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, with Luka Doncic’s conditioning flagged as a key issue. This physical setback drew criticism from both Lakers supporters and NBA fans, prompting Doncic to reconsider his offseason approach.
Offseason Shift Focused on Physical and Mental Renewal
In response to the postseason disappointment, the Slovenian forward took a 30-day break from basketball to engage in other sports, aiming to rejuvenate his body, mind, and spirit. Among the new activities, he took up padel, a racquet sport less common in the United States but increasingly popular worldwide.
Discovering Padel as a Vital Training Component
Doncic described adapting to the new workout plan as challenging given his passion for basketball, but he embraced padel to enhance his conditioning. Padel combines elements of squash and tennis, played on a 10-meter by 20-meter court enclosed with glass walls and wire mesh, demanding quick reflexes and agility.
A clip of Doncic competing in padel attracted significant attention within basketball communities, accumulating over 10,000 views and sparking discussions about his offseason transformation.
Padel’s Rising Popularity alongside Pickleball in the U.S.
While known as paddle tennis or simply paddle in America, padel remains one of the fastest growing racquet sports globally despite the surge in pickleball’s popularity. Doncic’s adoption of this sport highlights a novel training method as he prepares for a stronger presence in the upcoming NBA season.
Implications for the Upcoming NBA Campaign
Luka Doncic’s decision to integrate padel into his offseason regimen reflects a commitment to improving his physical condition following playoff struggles. This change signals the possibility of a more resilient performance from the Lakers’ star as they enter the 2025-26 NBA season, potentially impacting team dynamics and success.