After a tough end to the Lakers season, Luka Dončić did something he’s never done before: stop playing basketball.
Luka Dončić can be described in a myriad of ways, but one term fits him best: hooper.
He has been a professional basketball player since he was a teenager. With European competition, long seasons and training, Luka essentially never stops playing basketball.
However, this summer was different for Dončić. A quick Lakers playoff exit led to a long summer, allowing him to actually take a break and allow the ball to stop.
On Wednesday, Luka appeared on the “Today Show” and talked about taking time off this offseason.
Luka:
“I actually gave up playing basketball for one month which I never done in my whole life. Mentally, basketball I’ve been playing my whole life, so I won’t forget how to play basketball in one month” pic.twitter.com/dq4WYK4kS5
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 30, 2025
Sometimes, the best way to chop down a tree is to spend some time sharpening the axe. Burnout and breakdowns can happen if there is a refusal to ever rest and refresh.
The basketball break Luka has taken has also allowed him to get in the best shape of his life. He started his offseason training the day after the Lakers were eliminated and has been doing insane summer workouts.
He’s never looked this good, appearing cut and slim during his current United States tour with Jordan Brand.
Another added positive to Luka resting and training is that it will hopefully alleviate some of his nagging injuries. He’s been dealing with calf strains throughout his career, including much of last season. This injury is the main reason Luka played a career-low 50 games last season and was ineligible for any end-of-season awards.
They say the best ability is availability. If Luka stepping away from basketball allows his body to get ready for the upcoming season, then that’s great news for Lakers fans everywhere.
Luka will have plenty of time for organized play soon enough.
He will be participating in the EuroBasket competition with Slovenia in late August and Lakers training camp will begin soon after his international obligations are done.
For now, he’s done what you’re supposed to do during an NBA offseason. Rest and get your body prepared for a long NBA regular season and hopefully a deep playoff run with the purple and gold.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.