The last basketball game Luka Doncic took part in felt a lot different. It was a loss for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Emotionally, Doncic was still distracted, having been traded from the Mavericks. Physically, he wasn’t what he is as he prepares to play for Slovenia during the EuroBasket. The Don has spent these past months getting in the best shape of his life.

He appeared on Men’s Health, sharing some of his secrets. A strict diet and regular workouts were just part of it all. The biggest change, though, wasn’t committing to these arduous tasks. The hardest part of it all was staying away from basketball. Luka Doncic didn’t spend time on the court while he underwent an incredible physical transformation.

So as he prepares to face off against Germany, the defending champions, in a warm-up game, Doncic is facing some nerves. The Lakers guard knows he feels much better than before. But he is yet to discover what that looks like on the hardwood.

“I still feel bit jet lagged, but I think it will pass soon. I probably won’t play whole game, but I think there will be enough minutes. Depends how my body feels. I haven’t play 5 on 5 in a long time. It’s a completely different rhythm. But I feel good,” he said about the playing against Germany on Friday.

Having just travelled, Doncic is yet to shake off the journey. Furthermore, with this being a warm-up game, Slovenia won’t look to overwork their cornerstone. This game is about getting the feel of what a live game feels like. Luka Doncic hasn’t done that over the past few months, and it’s crucial for Slovenia to have his best version for the start of the EuroBasket.

The Lakers need to be careful

Luka Doncic has shocked everyone with his physique. He was meticulous during the offseason, going to measures he hadn’t in the past. However, is it just temporary? The Odd Couple show spoke about Doncic’s change and said it’s all happened before. “They said that people down there in Dallas said that he’s done this before,” Rob Parker revealed. What does it mean?

The duo suspects that Luka Doncic would use the offseason trips to Slovenia to get in better shape. Then, during the season, he would allow the workload to maintain itself, not doing anything in particular to cut down weight. With him having signed a three-year extension with the Lakers, Parker sent a warning to the franchise. However, not one person in the Lakers’ facility looks concerned. They have rejoiced with Doncic.

It’s because they know, this time it’s different.

While speaking to Men’s Health, Doncic admitted it himself. “If I stop now, it was all for nothing,” he said. This transformation isn’t just to prepare for a heavy season. Luka Doncic has changed the way he approaches the sport. His lifestyle looks far different than before. He now understands the example he needs to set as the face of the franchise. Several analysts are already calling for him to win his first MVP in the upcoming season. 

Whether that happens or not, it’s going to be a statement. Doncic heard the criticism. Now, his rebuttal is going to be stronger and something compltely new.