Luka Doncic surprised fans recently by admitting he took an entire month off from playing basketball during the offseason, a first in his career. This announcement came amid his preparations for the 2025-26 NBA season, where intense offseason training is crucial for elite players like Doncic.
Insight from a Recent Interview with the Los Angeles Lakers
In a candid interview with TODAY, which the Los Angeles Lakers conducted, Doncic shared the challenges of stepping away from the game temporarily. He admitted,
“I actually gave up playing basketball for one month, which I’ve never done in my life… It was kind of challenging, but it was all for the good.”
—Luka Doncic
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
Fans and commentators quickly responded to this rare offseason move. One social media user, @Sheridanblog, reflected on the importance of focusing on physical wellness.
League would have been in trouble if KD ever did this when he was younger. Dude never truly focused on his body, so he never reached his true peak. Small guys like Tony Allen would have never had a chance
—@Sheridanblog
Doncic’s Performance Since Joining the Lakers
Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game across 28 contests. He shot 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc, demonstrating his all-around offensive abilities. His consistent excellence has earned him five NBA All-Star selections in seven seasons.
Career Milestones and Records
Doncic’s career boasts multiple records that highlight his extraordinary talent and impact on the game. As outlined by @Hero_OfThe_Day, his records include:
- Most points in a season (2,341)
- Most points scored in a single game (73)
- Most points during triple-doubles (60)
- Most consecutive 30+ point triple-doubles (6)
- Most triple-doubles in a season (21) and career (80)
- Most games scoring 35+ points (106)
- Fastest player to reach 12,000 career points (419 games)
- Only player to average 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists
- Highest career points per game (29.0)
- Most 40-point playoff games
- Most playoff assists and 3-pointers per game
- Second only to Dirk Nowitzki in playoff points scored with fewer seasons played
- Most playoff games leading in points, rebounds, and assists
- One of only two players with five All-NBA First Team selections by age 25, tying Dirk Nowitzki
These accomplishments reflect Doncic’s status among the NBA’s elite.
What Luka Doncic’s Offseason Approach Might Mean Going Forward
Doncic’s choice to pause basketball for a month suggests a thoughtful and cautious approach to preserving his body and sustaining his performance over many seasons. This offseason training admission highlights the demanding nature of maintaining peak form in professional basketball, especially for a player with high expectations and a pivotal role on the Lakers.
How his break affects his 2025-26 season performance remains to be seen, but given his track record, fans and analysts expect him to continue pushing boundaries in the NBA.