Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is gearing up for what could be the best season of his NBA career, showcasing a dramatically transformed physique and an intensely focused offseason regimen. The 26-year-old guard, who was traded midseason from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, has been making headlines this summer with his leaner, more muscular build, as revealed in the latest issue of Men's Health magazine.
Dončić’s transformation comes after a challenging 2024-25 season, where injuries and conditioning issues limited him to just 50 games — the fewest in his seven-year NBA career. Despite averaging impressive stats of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking a disappointing end to the campaign. The season also saw Dončić miss the All-Star and All-NBA teams for the first time since 2020, raising questions about his fitness that the star has taken head-on this offseason.
According to the detailed feature by Andrew Heffernan and Ebenezer Samuel in Men's Health, Dončić spent the summer in Croatia working closely with a dedicated team of wellness specialists, including trainer Anže Maček, physiotherapist Javier Barrio, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros. This trio, known as Team Luka, was assembled in 2023 after the Mavericks missed the playoffs and has been instrumental in reshaping the star’s approach to fitness and recovery.
Dončić’s new regimen is rigorous and multifaceted. His workouts blend weight training, resistance-band routines, agility drills, and on-court shooting exercises. Early in the summer, he adhered to a strict intermittent fasting plan, fasting nearly 16 consecutive hours daily to reduce inflammation and optimize recovery. His diet is gluten-free, low in sugar, and high in protein—consuming at least 250 grams of protein per day, including almond milk–based shakes. This nutritional overhaul supports his intense training sessions, which often include two-a-day workouts.
One of the more striking aspects of Dončić’s offseason is his commitment to a full month away from basketball immediately after the season ended. Under the guidance of physiotherapist Barrio, he abstained from court play for a month to allow his body to recover fully from the rigors of the previous season. Instead, he focused on weightlifting and cross-training activities such as pickleball and padel, which helped strengthen his lower body while giving his knees a break from constant jumping.
By early June, Dončić returned to the court for shooting drills and agility work, quickly regaining his rhythm and enthusiasm. His training includes specialized resistance band exercises designed to enhance his eccentric force—the ability to decelerate and control his body mid-movement—which is a key element of his playing style. Trainer Maček highlighted Dončić’s exceptional leg strength and low center of gravity, making him difficult to move once he’s set in position.
Dončić himself acknowledges the evolution in his conditioning and physique. "Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better," he told Men's Health. He also reflected on his growth since entering the NBA at 18, admitting that it took several years to understand the level of dedication required to compete at the highest level. "When I came to the NBA, I was 18. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect those first four or five years. Then I said, 'I need to do this.'"
His offseason efforts are fueled by a competitive drive and inspiration drawn from legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, whom he admires for their relentless work ethic and sacrifices. "MJ and Kobe, you know, they really did a lot in their careers. They sacrificed a lot," Dončić said.
Photos and clips circulating on social media show a visibly slimmer and more muscular Dončić, with sharper muscle definition and a leaner silhouette. This new physique has not only impressed fans but also aims to silence critics who have questioned his conditioning in the past. The Lakers, having acquired Dončić in a much-discussed trade, are eager to maximize their championship window with him and LeBron James leading the roster. The team also bolstered its lineup by adding center Deandre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart, and forward Jake LaRavia ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Dončić’s transformation is timely as he prepares to represent Slovenia at the EuroBasket tournament from August 27 to September 14, 2025. His return to international play will serve as an early test of his offseason progress before the NBA training camp opens in a couple of months.
Looking ahead, Dončić is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers on August 2, 2025. Despite the trade affecting his eligibility for a super-max contract, he could opt for a short-term deal that positions him for a significant raise once he reaches 10 years of service time. His renewed focus on fitness and conditioning is clearly part of a broader plan to sustain elite performance and longevity in the league.
Dončić’s journey from a criticized offseason figure to a dedicated athlete with a comprehensive fitness team underscores a pivotal moment in his career. "If I stop now," he said, "it was all for nothing." His unwavering commitment to continuous improvement signals that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for the Lakers star.
With his enhanced conditioning, revamped diet, and a motivated mindset, Luka Dončić is poised to arrive at training camp in the best shape of his professional life, ready to elevate his game and lead the Lakers into a promising future.
