The LA Lakers have reunited Luka Doncic with Jeremy Holsopple, the former Dallas Mavericks strength and conditioning coach, ahead of the upcoming NBA season. The move was reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer on Monday, who revealed the Lakers’ latest addition following Doncic’s three-year, $165 million contract signing last month. Holsopple, recognized by the league as the best in his role in March 2021, will now work again with Doncic, aiming to help maintain the star’s conditioning and performance.
Fans quickly responded to Holsopple joining the Lakers’ coaching staff with excitement and humor, highlighting the significance of this reunion:
“WE STEALING DALLAS COACHES” —fan
Holsopple originally signed with the Mavericks in 2013, which was five years before Luka Doncic was drafted by the team. However, after the 2023-24 season, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison replaced Holsopple with former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL player Keith Bolton. Harrison also dismissed Casey Spangler, a manual therapist who had also worked closely with Doncic.
Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Issues and Impact of Coaching Changes
Since Holsopple’s departure, the Mavericks have struggled significantly with injuries. Luka Doncic suffered a calf strain, Kyrie Irving experienced an ACL tear, and Anthony Davis from the Lakers battled ongoing adductor problems. Multiple players across both teams missed games due to physical setbacks, highlighting the challenge of maintaining player health without trusted coaches in place.
As the Lakers place their trust in Doncic as their franchise cornerstone, bringing Holsopple on board is a strategic effort to ensure the star athlete stays in peak condition. Doncic has been showcasing his renewed strength during Slovenia’s preparations for the 2025 EuroBasket, and Holsopple’s role will be crucial in preserving this progress through the NBA season.
Preseason Showdown: Lakers Versus Mavericks in Las Vegas
Jeremy Holsopple now has just over two months to prepare the LA Lakers for their preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, scheduled for October 15 in Las Vegas. This matchup will feature Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the rest of the Lakers squad facing off against the Mavericks and their new No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg.
Although this encounter is a preseason game, it holds emotional weight for Doncic, as it marks another meeting with his former team after his trade. In addressing the trade, Doncic previously expressed that it would take time before he achieves closure. Fans eagerly await seeing Doncic compete against Flagg, who is viewed as the Mavericks’ future franchise leader.