Luka Doncic’s physical transformation has already drawn tons of attention—from his improved agility to his highlight dunks. But one insider says there’s an aspect of his game that, if unlocked, should make opponents “nervous.”
Latest Luka Doncic Development Could Strike Fear into Opponents
Anthony Irwin: Luka Working on Catch and Shoot Jumpers, Off-Ball Movement
According to a Thursday report by ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, Doncic has worked to “make himself more effective without the basketball,” aiming to become even more of a threat alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
“Sources close to the Lakers say he has focused on becoming more comfortable shooting off the catch. He has also been in touch with coaches (Greg St. Jean is with him for EuroBasket, as an example) consistently this offseason to understand how they envision him impacting the game when LeBron James or Austin Reaves has the ball.”
“He’s way too good to just stand off to the side after he gives up the ball,” a Western Conference scout told Irwin. “Defenses should be nervous about him every second he’s on the court. If they aren’t, that’s on him.”
Shooting Off the Catch was Doncic’s Kryptonite—For the Most Part
In 28 games with the Lakers, Doncic shot 37% on catch-and-shoot jumpers, including 35.6% from three (albeit on 1.5 attempts per game). He generally shot poorly off the catch all season, nailing just 39% of them between Dallas and LA (he drilled 37% of those attempts from three, again on low volume).
However, the tides turned slightly in the playoffs, when he buried 46% of his catch-and-shoot looks against the Timberwolves—all coming from three-point range.
New Dimension to the Lakers Big Three
Doncic’s commitment to off-ball movement is a promising sign for the team’s big three. Following his arrival, James and Reaves had worked to adjust their games to Doncic’s. LeBron even told ESPN that he honed his three-point shot and catch-and-shoot game “to be able to sync up with someone like Luka.” Now, the tables have turned, and it’s all for the better.
Alongside elite facilitators, Doncic should still expect a bevy of open looks off the catch next season—an area that will be enhanced by his improved conditioning. His ability to knock them down will be vital for a Lakers offense that revolves around three powerful engines. There’s a good chance we could see plays that maximize Luka’s newfound strengths similar to the one below.
Lakers Assistant Coach on Doncic’s Fitness
Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean discussed Doncic’s growth with European outlet BasketNews. While he is proud of the work Doncic has put in so far, he noted that Luka’s transformation remains a “work in progress.”
“I think the summer’s not over yet. And he’s going to continue to get better. I think we’ll continue to see as he gets more in-game shape with some rhythm.
“He’s been doing a lot of training, and now he’s going to be playing five-on-five competition. His game last week [the conversation took place on Friday] was the first time he’s played five-on-five in a long time.
“So it’s a work in progress. We’ll continue to see him play more and more, and as the tournament progresses, and then getting ready for the Lakers season.”
Doncic has already shown off his improvement in tune-up games ahead of EuroBasket 2025, including a 28-point, ten-assist showing against Great Britain. Fans will be able to see the Slovenian superstar represent his country from Aug. 27 to Sept. 14, including five group stage games next week.
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