Lakers Revamp Training Staff with New Strength and Conditioning Coach
In a strategic move to enhance player performance and address conditioning concerns, the Los Angeles Lakers have appointed a new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. This decision comes on the heels of the team’s early exit from the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs and reflects a broader organizational commitment to optimizing player health and readiness for future seasons.
Addressing Conditioning Concerns
The Lakers’ playoff run was marred by a first-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the team being outscored 127–85 in the fourth quarters across all five games. This late-game fatigue underscored the need for improved physical conditioning. Head Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of players being in “championship shape,” a statement that many interpreted as a subtle critique of star player Luka Dončić’s fitness levels.
Dončić, who joined the Lakers in February 2025, faced scrutiny over his conditioning, which was believed to have influenced the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade him. The Lakers’ hiring of a new strength and conditioning coach is seen as a direct response to these concerns, aiming to ensure that all players meet the team’s rigorous physical standards.
The Role and Expectations
The newly appointed Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is tasked with developing individualized training programs tailored to each player’s needs. This includes designing regimens that enhance strength, endurance, and overall physical health, while also preventing injuries. The coach’s role extends beyond physical training to encompass motivational aspects, ensuring players remain committed to their fitness goals throughout the season.
A significant focus of the new hire’s efforts will be on Luka Dončić, whose conditioning has been a topic of discussion. The Lakers’ coaching staff aims to help Dončić achieve a level of fitness comparable to veteran players like LeBron James, who continues to maintain an exceptional physical condition at age 40.
Organizational Commitment to Player Health
The Lakers’ investment in a new strength and conditioning coach reflects a broader organizational commitment to player health and performance. Under the leadership of Head Athletic Trainer Marco Nuñez, the team has implemented advanced sports science initiatives, including individualized hydration programs and collaboration with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
These efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to player wellness, integrating nutrition, physical therapy, and strength training to support athletes throughout the season. The addition of a dedicated strength and conditioning coach is a natural extension of this philosophy, aiming to provide players with the resources and guidance needed to perform at their best.
Looking Ahead
As the Lakers prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season, the new strength and conditioning coach will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s physical readiness. With a focus on individualized training, injury prevention, and overall health, the coach’s contributions are expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance.
The appointment also signals a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that the Lakers remain competitive in an ever-evolving league. By addressing conditioning concerns head-on, the organization aims to build a foundation for sustained success in the seasons to come.
In conclusion, the hiring of a new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is a strategic move by the Los Angeles Lakers to enhance player performance and address conditioning concerns. With a focus on individualized training and overall health, the new hire is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success in the upcoming season.
