On August 12 , NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have hired former Dallas Mavericks director of sports performance Jeremy Holtsop as the team's new head strength and conditioning coach. This move is seen by the outside world as another important reinforcement for the Lakers to continue to create an ideal environment for core star Luka Dončić.

Holtsop was one of Dončić's most trusted strength and conditioning coaches during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN reported in February that he was Luka's most trusted coach. The Mavericks' dismissal of Holtsop and several other staff members was considered a contributing factor to the erosion of their relationship. The reunion of the two is expected to help Dončić maintain peak performance.

Fitness management is a key area of focus for the Lakers this offseason. Head coach JJ Redick, in his season summary, explicitly stated that the team must achieve " championship-caliber fitness ." The Lakers hope that the addition of Holtsop will further enhance player health management and season-long performance.

Last season, Dončić missed a significant amount of time due to a left calf strain, playing in only 50 games, which prevented him from being considered for the season-ending individual awards. With sufficient recovery this offseason, his personal form improving, and re-working with a familiar coach, the Lakers hope he can stay healthy for the 2025-26 season.

Holtsop has decades of experience training professional athletes and has played for the Mavericks for over a decade. His qualifications and abilities are unquestionable. The Lakers' appointment is intended not only to improve the team's physical management, but also to do everything they can to make Dončić feel comfortable and trusted.