Lakers Hiring Former Mavericks Award-Winning Coach

Dec 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to show their dedication to building their franchise around superstar Luka Doncic.

After signing him to a three-year, $165 million contract extension earlier this month, the Lakers have reunited Doncic with former Dallas Mavericks strength and conditioning coach Jeremy Holsopple. 

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The Lakers reportedly hired Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach, per Marc Stein on X. Holsopple is a well-known coach in the NBA and was named the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach in March 2021.

The Lakers are hiring Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach, @TheSteinLine has learned.

As Dallas’ athletic performance director, Holsopple was named as the NBA's top strength and conditioning coach in March 2021.

More NBA: https://t.co/6DCqjEwAvw

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 11, 2025

Holsopple spent one season away from the NBA after Mavericks' general manager Nico Harrison fired him for his influence on the franchise’s decision-making. Harrison hired former NFL player Keith Belton to replace Holsopple, but ultimately dismissed Belton this May.

Without Holsopple, nearly the entire Dallas roster suffered several long-term injuries last season. 

Doncic missed six weeks of the season after straining his left calf in December, which was the longest absence of his career. Nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving sustained a season-ending ACL tear in March, and former Lakers’ superstar Anthony Davis missed multiple weeks following his debut with the Mavericks with an adductor strain.

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Throughout this offseason, Doncic has reportedly been participating in intense summer workouts to get himself back in the best shape. With the addition of Holsopple, the Lakers seem hopeful Doncic will also be able to remain healthy for the entire 2025-26 season.

The Lakers have shown time and time again that Doncic is their new franchise player. He is influencing who they add to their coaching staff and players they sign.

Doncic played a role in Los Angeles signing free agents Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton. Shortly after he joined the franchise, Doncic also contributed to the Lakers trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in February, despite the deal ultimately falling through due to a failed physical examination.

Doncic has stated he wants to win a championship with the Lakers, and he further demonstrated that drive when he agreed to the contract extension at the beginning of the month. And in the meantime, Los Angeles is working to keep the five-time NBA All-Star satisfied.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.