Luka Doncic has made headlines this offseason, not just for his impressive physical transformation but for a strategic reset that could redefine his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a lucrative three-year, $165 million contract extension, Doncic has emerged with a leaner physique, shedding 31 pounds since the Lakers’ early playoff exit. This transformation, highlighted in a recent Men’s Health magazine cover story titled “Luka Doncic 2.0 Has Entered the Chat,” showcases his commitment to elevating his game.
The offseason overhaul was more than just about losing weight. Doncic adopted a disciplined regimen that included a high-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free diet, coupled with rigorous two-a-day workouts. While some fans speculated that his newfound fitness was a response to his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic clarified that his motivation was rooted in a well-planned approach to his training.
During a press conference in Slovenia, where he was preparing to join the national team for EuroBasket 2025, Doncic addressed the speculation surrounding his physical condition. “There were always some questions about my physical fitness,” he noted. “But I think I was a great basketball player before. What drove me? Basically, we made a slightly different plan, and I also had a little more time.”
The previous offseason was particularly challenging for Doncic, who had little time to recover after a deep playoff run that extended into June, followed by Olympic qualifiers. This summer, however, he seized the opportunity to recalibrate and focus on his fitness.
Despite facing criticism about his conditioning in the past, Doncic has consistently proven himself as one of the league’s elite players. In the 2023-24 NBA season, he led the league in scoring with an average of 33.9 points over 70 games, guiding the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. After his midseason trade to the Lakers in early 2025, he quickly became the face of the franchise, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in just 28 games.
As the new season approaches, Doncic is aware of the expectations surrounding him. Lakers fans are buzzing about the potential for an MVP-caliber season, but Doncic remains grounded. “I don’t know if it will be any different now,” he admitted. “I’ve only had two practices with the team and one five-on-five game. I haven’t played since my last NBA game, so we’ll see.”
While the results of his offseason work remain to be seen on the court, one thing is certain: Luka Doncic is entering the new season focused, refreshed, and ready to lead the Lakers into a promising new era. With his strategic reset, Doncic aims to not only enhance his own performance but also elevate the entire team as they strive for championship glory. As the NBA season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how this transformation translates into success for the Lakers.