LOS ANGELES – The Lakers are making moves. The franchise is hiring Jeremy Holsopple as its new head strength and conditioning coach. This is a significant win for the Lakers. Holsopple is one of the best in managing player health and conditioning.
Lakers Correct Big Nico Harrison Mistake While Hiring Jeremy Holsopple
Holsopple also brings a personal connection to Luka Dončić. The two built trust during their time with the Mavericks. That familiarity matters in today’s NBA.
Holsopple’s Time in Dallas
Holsopple made his mark in Dallas. As the Mavericks’ athletic performance director, he earned the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach award in March 2021. His approach kept players ready and engaged.
He left after Nico Harrison reshaped the Mavericks’ health and performance staff. The move was about control. Harrison wanted a new team in place. But in doing so, he lost more than just personnel.
Holsopple was part of a trusted trio with Casey Smith and Casey Spangler. They helped Dončić adapt to NBA life in Dallas. His exit left Dončić feeling isolated from the team. His camp believed trusted staff were seen as enablers, not assets.
The replacements never earned Dončić’s trust. These moves set in motion Luka’s eventual departure from the Mavs.
The Mavericks’ Missteps
Dallas’ handling of Dereck Lively II’s injury showed cracks. Lively’s injury led to internal friction between athletic performance director Keith Belton and player health director Johann Bilsborough. Scans later revealed a stress fracture.
The result? Lively missed over two months. Harrison fired Belton in May. The situation only reinforced the perception that Dallas lost its edge in player care.
Why the Lakers Move Matters
This is where the Lakers hiring Jeremy Holsopple becomes crucial. The Lakers get a proven figure who knows how to keep stars healthy. They also gain someone Luka already respects.
Mark Walter just secured majority ownership from the Buss family for $10 billion. Insiders believe he will spend big to improve operations. The Lakers have run one of the league’s smallest front offices since Jeanie Buss wrestled control from her brother Jim. Staff often juggle multiple roles.
While the Lakers have never been afraid to spend big on stars, they have never invested in a likewise manner on their analytics or scouting departments. Now, Walter is signaling a new era. Walter owns the Dodgers, who might be the smartest team in baseball and are very eager to spend.
Hiring Holsopple is a move the Dodgers would make under the same circumstances. It’s a smart investment in infrastructure and relationships.
The Bigger Picture
The Lakers hiring Jeremy Holsopple ends up being more than a coaching hire. It’s a correction of Dallas’ misstep under Nico Harrison. It’s also a signal that the Lakers will invest in player health like never before.
And in the NBA, trust and health often decide who wins in June.
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