Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić has spent much of his NBA career dominating the court with his unmatched basketball IQ, dazzling footwork, and pinpoint passing. Since being selected third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, Dončić has achieved an extraordinary list of accolades—Rookie of the Year in 2019 and five All-NBA First Team selections within his first seven seasons. However, even with all his success, one recurring criticism has stubbornly followed him: his conditioning.
Now, that narrative may finally be shifting.
After weeks of speculation surrounding his offseason training, the 26-year-old Slovenian phenom broke his silence and confirmed what many had been hearing—he’s undergone a total body transformation. In an interview with Men’s Health, Dončić proudly declared, “My whole body looks better.” And judging by the commitment he’s shown this summer, it’s more than just talk.
A New Lifestyle Fueled by Urgency
Motivated by an early playoff exit and a turbulent season that included a midseason trade to the Lakers and a nagging calf injury that limited him to only 50 games, Dončić wasted no time getting back to work. In fact, just one day after the Lakers were eliminated from the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić reached out to his manager, Lara Beth Seager, to begin preparations for the 2025-26 season.
“This summer was just a little bit different, you know,” Dončić explained. “It kind of motivated me to be even better.”
Under the guidance of a specialized performance team, Dončić adopted a holistic approach to his fitness. He switched to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, began practicing intermittent fasting, and embraced a demanding two-a-day workout regimen while training in Croatia. The Lakers star made the bold choice to prioritize his physical health above all else—both on and off the court.
No Basketball Allowed—At First
Interestingly, the first phase of Dončić’s summer training didn’t even involve basketball. His trainers insisted he refrain from touching a basketball for an entire month to allow his body to recover and rebalance from the physical toll of the previous season. For someone as basketball-obsessed as Dončić, this was a difficult pill to swallow.
He initially resisted the idea, but eventually embraced the process as he committed to alternative forms of training, including weightlifting, core strengthening, and even other sports to keep him active while giving his usual basketball muscles time to heal.
As the month passed, Dončić returned to basketball activities with renewed energy—and a noticeably different physique. While he didn’t reveal his current weight or exact numbers regarding fat loss or muscle gain, he said he felt significantly lighter and more agile. “We didn’t measure the jumping yet,” he said with a smile, “but I think it’s a little bit higher.”
Responding to Critics—and Coaches
Much of Dončić’s offseason drive may have been fueled by both public scrutiny and private motivation. Lakers head coach JJ Redick made headlines shortly after the team’s playoff exit when he said the Lakers roster needed to “get in championship shape” if they hoped to contend in the future. Though he never singled anyone out, many interpreted the comment as a veiled message to Dončić—who has often been criticized for not entering training camp in peak condition.
Dončić took the message to heart. His response wasn’t through the media but through action. The superstar’s complete physical overhaul and mental focus suggest a new chapter in his career—one that could lead to even greater heights.
Eyeing MVP and a Championship
Despite a challenging 2024-25 campaign marked by injury and transition, Dončić still delivered All-NBA-level performances and maintained his status as one of the league’s most impactful players. With a healthy offseason now behind him and a reenergized mindset, he enters the new season as one of the early favorites for the MVP award.
Perhaps more importantly, Dončić’s renewed dedication could finally be the key the Lakers need to make a deep postseason run. A fully healthy and conditioned Dončić—armed with greater athleticism and stamina—could shift the balance of power in the Western Conference.
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