Luka Doncic's offseason transformation reportedly set before Mavericks trade

Luka Doncic's weight-loss journey has become a major storyline this offseason, as the Los Angeles Lakers point guard set out to improve his conditioning in pursuit of an NBA title alongside LeBron James. 

Doncic was traded to the Lakers last season in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. The move drew widespread criticism, with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison publicly citing concerns over Doncic's conditioning as justification for parting ways with the franchise cornerstone. 

Despite the noise, the five-time All-Star has remained focused on his wellness program this summer, even landing on the cover of Men's Health magazine. 

Our digital cover star, Luka Doncic, ready to take his game (and the Lakers) to new levels of dominance. And this summer shred has been years in the making.https://t.co/aB19DY7rrL pic.twitter.com/bjVsf1ampI

While Harrison's comments may have added some extra motivation, Doncic's commitment to his fitness reportedly began well before the trade, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. 

"Some sources in Doncic's inner circle believed he was on the path toward this kind of physical transformation whether or not Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had bet against him,” Woike wrote. 

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Doncic started working with his current physical wellness team in 2023 and has fully bought into a new training regimen following an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, during which he missed an extended period due to a left calf strain. 

Reports indicate that the 26-year-old adopted a strict diet and spent the early part of the offseason prioritizing strength and conditioning. Entering his eighth NBA season, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft looks ready to showcase the results of his hard work as the Lakers’ top option. 

Doncic holds career averages of 28.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. After a slight dip in production last season, he'll look to reestablish himself as one of the best players in the world.

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