The NBA offseason often brings a sense of relaxation and downtime for its stars, but Luka Doncic has taken a different approach this summer. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has undergone a remarkable physical transformation, shedding 31 pounds and signaling his readiness for a new chapter in his career. This change is particularly timely as he prepares to lead Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025.
Doncic, who previously weighed around 260 pounds, now tips the scales at approximately 230. His transformation is the result of a strict gluten-free, low-sugar, protein-rich diet, coupled with intermittent fasting and intense training sessions. For several months, Doncic committed to two daily 90-minute workouts in Croatia with a specialized conditioning team. This rigorous regimen not only focused on weight loss but also aimed to enhance his endurance, explosiveness, and durability—areas that have historically posed challenges for him.
The impact of this transformation has been profound. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan remarked on Doncic’s evolution, describing him as “a completely different beast.” Following his trade from Dallas to Los Angeles, Doncic’s performance has solidified his status as a superstar, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. This impressive play earned him a three-year, $165 million max extension from the Lakers, confirming his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
As Doncic gears up for EuroBasket 2025, the anticipation surrounding his performance is palpable. However, not everyone is buying into the hype surrounding his physical transformation. Guerschon Yabusele, a forward for the New York Knicks and a key member of the French national team, has made it clear that the tournament is not solely about Doncic. Yabusele, who played alongside Doncic at Real Madrid in 2018, stated, “I don’t think our goal is to focus on how his body changed. It’s not just about Luka. There are many tough teams in the group. We’re focused on France.” His comments serve as a reminder that basketball is ultimately a team sport, and France will not be distracted by Doncic’s individual success.
The upcoming matchup between Slovenia and France holds significant historical context. In previous international tournaments, Slovenia has faced tough competition from France, which eliminated them at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and EuroBasket 2022, despite Doncic’s standout performances. Group D of EuroBasket 2025 is shaping up to be a formidable challenge for Slovenia, as they will also compete against Poland, Belgium, Israel, and Iceland. The absence of veterans like Goran Dragic and Vlatko Cancar places even greater reliance on Doncic to lead the team.
While Slovenia faces its own hurdles, France will also be missing key players, including Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, and Evan Fournier. Nevertheless, the French roster is still packed with physicality and discipline, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Doncic’s commitment to both his national team and the Lakers is evident. His goal extends beyond personal accolades; he aims to lead Slovenia to the top at EuroBasket while solidifying his leadership role with the Lakers. The presence of Lakers executives like Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss in Europe further demonstrates the franchise’s support for Doncic.
As EuroBasket 2025 approaches, the question remains: will Doncic’s new physique and renewed mindset give Slovenia the edge they need, or will Yabusele’s assertion that collective strength outweighs individual brilliance hold true? Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the answer, as one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups looms on the horizon: Slovenia vs. France, featuring Luka Doncic against Guerschon Yabusele.