“Though Dončić did not publicly comment on the constant flow of leaks from the Mavericks organization disparaging his weight and conditioning, one source close to Dončić told ESPN the comments have served as a motivator,” wrote ESPN’s Dave McMenamin back in late February. Luka Doncic’s shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was followed by reports that the decision was taken amid the Dallas Mavericks’ concern over his weight and conditioning. Nico Harrison attacked Doncic’s conditioning to justify his decision, while even critics like Kendrick Perkins made remarks like “Luka’s biggest issue has to be addressed in the offseason. He’s out of shape. He needs to lose weight….”. All of this got to the Slovenian, leading him to adopt a strict conditioning routine. Now, Luka is planning to stay true to his routine and use some help to better himself.

According to an article by ‘Sportklub’ reporter Martin Pavcnik, Luka Doncic is not set to be added to his national team’s roster for EuroBasket 2025. However, he will report for training at the beginning of August, once he has arranged the required insurance. His availability at training also means that Luka will be available for the ‘preparatory matches’. An appropriate term, since it will be preparatory not only for the Slovenian squad but also for Luka Doncic. A way to test out the conditioning on which he has been working since the Lakers were eliminated earlier this month. It is an added benefit that the games will be held against the rosters of Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, and Serbia. The more diverse the field of players with different skills, the better it will be for Luka.

Pavcnik highlighted that, since the beginning of his off-season, Luka Doncic has dedicated himself to transforming his body in Ljubljana, his hometown. This has included both guided indoor conditioning and a modified diet. Whatever process the Slovenian is following, he is keeping it under wraps. After all, according to reports, he is not expected to make any public appearance for several weeks. No clues about sports activities are to be dropped on social networking sites either. Furthermore, even people closely associated with Luka are not choosing to speak about ‘his initiative’. Away from the cameras and attention, Luka Doncic is working. Working to prepare himself for the next season and  shut down all those who criticized him.

In the vast field of modern NBA players, Luka Doncic is considered among the best. Even legends like Kobe Bryant did not underestimate European players, and believed that “European players are just way more skillful. They are just taught the game the right way at an early age.” While the Slovenian has certainly lived up to that positive stereotype, he has also been attacked over his weight and unhealthy habits.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick had earlier reported that “the people who witnessed Doncic’s last days in Dallas do not paint a flattering portrait of the 25-year-old’s professionalism. They call him lazy. They talk about the weight issues that were such a frequent frustration within their walls”. Amick further highlighted that the player’s habit of smoking hookahs and drinking beer was not making a good impression. Plus, at one point this year, it was reported that Luka’s weight gain reached 270 pounds (122.5 kg). This would have tied him for the heaviest NBA player in the modern era.

All of this would not have mattered if the Lakers, under his and LeBron James’ leadership, had continued excelling. However, while the team did well in the regular season post-February, they got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 1-4. Knowing that the blame would fall on his shoulders for the losses, Luka is not looking to give any excuses to his critics this time around. His resilience is already paying dividends, as the player has transformed in a short while.

Luka Doncic grabs people’s attention by bringing out “revenge body” in public appearance

Despite the claim that Luka Doncic would not make any public appearance for several weeks, the Slovenian recently attended a Real Madrid game in Spain. Seeing the star after the Lakers’ elimination earlier this month would have been headlines in itself. However, Luka grabbed the attention of the people for another reason. After all, the pictures of the player showed him being visibly lean. Though many would not have wanted to gawk, it was hard not to notice, whenever the player was standing, just how well he looked waist-wise, with his muscle structure remaining the same. In a way, Luka Doncic looks chiseled, and that too in less than a month.

These pictures brought out reactions from several NBA fans. Remarks like “Slim Luka will have this league shook”, and “If that boy gets in shape, the league’s in trouble” filled up the comments section. ‘Parade’ reporter Meredith Gordon even claimed that the 5x NBA All-Star had given new meaning to the term “revenge body.”

At the same time, not everyone was impressed. NFL legend Shannon Sharpe looked at the photos and said, “I don’t care what he looks like right now. I’m talking about when he comes back to play. I want him to look like this when he comes back to play.” Meanwhile, Sharpe’s podcast co-host, Chad Johnson, joked that “I’m telling you he probably took that Ozempic stuff. I’m telling you.”

So, despite his impressive transformation, Luka Doncic wasn’t able to win over everyone. After all, there are still 5-6 months remaining until the beginning of the next NBA season. Anything can happen between now and then. However, the way the Los Angeles Lakers star is working on his conditioning now, he might just prove Shannon Sharpe and co wrong.