Dallas GM Nico Harrison, with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka by his side, teamed up on a three-way deal involving the Utah Jazz that ultimately sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis. But it turns out Pelinka only laid half his cards on the table. Reports suggest he might’ve gaslighted Harrison into accepting a lighter package for Dončić. And what did the Mavericks get in return? Anthony Davis, a superstar, yes, but one who hasn’t exactly been winning hearts online lately. The reason? His weight.

Trevor Lane of The Basketball Bulletin didn’t hold back while warning the Mavericks about Anthony Davis. He called out AD for what he described as irresponsible and unprofessional behavior. “I think there is a right to be frustrated with the weight gain and any perceived lack of commitment, lack of effort because that’s what that would be. The gain of that much weight is a lack of effort on his part,” Lane said.

He further added, “Yes, he dealt with the eye issue and maybe that prevented him from being able to do cardio, but that still means you just need to adjust your diet, adjust your calorie intake.”

And Lane isn’t entirely wrong, especially given that Davis has all the resources and professional guidance to stay in top form. Fans’ frustration is understandable after the Mavericks’ recent preseason loss to the Hornets, 120-116.

Despite playing 24 minutes, Davis managed just 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, finishing the night with a plus/minus of -24—an unfortunate stat line that made it clear how much he held the Mavericks back in that defeat.

The talk around Anthony Davis’ weight didn’t just pop up overnight, it started building during the Media Day and carried into training camp. Fans were quick to notice the change in his frame, and soon enough, reports confirmed it: Davis weighed in at 268 pounds, about 15 more than last season.

That naturally sparked concern among fans, but AD was quick to clear the air, explaining that the added weight was part of a long-term plan, not a problem.

“I feel good,” Davis said confidently. “I kind of almost going into every season, because I put on so much weight over the summer, then by the time November comes, I’m usually like 255, 258. I never want to come in at my playing weight, because then I lose weight during the season and then I’m too small.”

He went on to add, “I lose about 10 to 12 pounds very quickly. During camp, I already lost five pounds—all the running and playing. So I’m never concerned about that. I feel great. I’m moving great. I feel good.”

Lane doubled down on his take, reminding fans that it’s only preseason and there’s no need to panic just yet. He believes Anthony Davis will likely return in full form once the regular season begins. “Anthony Davis as a 13-year veteran, as the one Mavs fan noted, simply didn’t want to push down on the gas pedal much in this one,” he said.

And given his stats from last season, averaging 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 51 games, it’s fair to say there’s still plenty of reason to trust AD’s game.

And with rookie sensation Cooper Flagg right beside him, the upcoming season will still be one to watch. “I’ve got to find ways to help AD more, play off him better, and make sure I’m helping him impact the game when he’s posting up or isolating,” he said. His words show a clear understanding of spacing and floor awareness. 

But while AD struggles with his shape, Luka’s only gotten better.

Luka’s Lakers reset: Slimmer, faster, sharper

The heart of the Mavericks—Luka Dončić—was traded mid-season to the Lakers this year. The reason? His weight and conditioning issues. Ironic, right? But everything’s changed in Los Angeles. Over the offseason, Luka went through a complete body reset.

He slimmed down, moved quicker, and looked sharper than ever. Dallas once doubted his conditioning, but now, he’s proving them wrong one rep at a time.

His efforts even landed him on the cover of Men’s Health and earned him a spot on the EuroBasket 2025 All-Star team. Though Slovenia fell short in the quarterfinals, his form was electric.

The transformation wasn’t just cosmetic—being leaner has made him quicker on his feet, sharper on defense, and far more explosive on offense. “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” Doncic admitted, and anyone watching him play could see exactly what he meant.

That growth isn’t limited to his physique, it’s showing in his leadership too. Luka reflected, “I mean, it was probably just something I needed to do. I’ve been through a lot of basketball now. Being a leader—sometimes it’s comfortable, sometimes not. Sometimes it’s great, and sometimes you have to say things you don’t want to. But that’s part of it.” 

Behind the scenes, his grind hasn’t stopped; he trains twice a day in Croatia with his personal team, eats clean, consumes 250 grams of protein daily, and follows a strict intermittent fasting routine.

From being traded for his body to transforming it completely, Luka Dončić’s story has turned into one of the biggest redemption arcs the league has seen in years.