Luka Doncic Slimming Down Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Luka Dončić Slims Down Ahead of Crucial Lakers Season
According to multiple league sources, Luka Dončić has undergone noticeable weight loss and is now following a strict diet in preparation for the upcoming NBA season.
Weight Concerns Sparked Midseason Drama
Dončić’s physical conditioning became a major talking point after his midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Reports from Dallas raised questions about his commitment to maintaining his body, especially after a left calf strain sidelined him for 19 games. After the trade, Dončić missed three more games before finally debuting in the Purple and Gold.
Is slim Luka Dončić returning 👀
Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason, writes @DanWoikeSports.
He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from… pic.twitter.com/SsNQnA1xbl
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 24, 2025
Offensive Brilliance, Defensive Struggles
Despite continuing to produce elite offensive numbers, Dončić has remained a liability on defense. While he was never known for lockdown defense, the last two seasons have made his weaknesses more glaring.
In both the 2024 NBA Finals and the opening round of the 2025 playoffs, opposing teams relentlessly targeted him with high screens, isolating him against their top scorers. The result often left Dončić struggling to hold his own in one-on-one situations.
Inconsistent Defensive Effort
To his credit, Dončić showed flashes of improved defensive effort after joining the Lakers, but those moments came in waves. His inconsistency on that end remained a concern.
After the Lakers’ early playoff exit, head coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words, stating that some players needed to “get in championship shape.” While Redick avoided naming names, media speculation quickly focused on Dončić.
A Visible Transformation
It appears Dončić got the message. New images of the five-time All-NBA guard reveal a noticeably slimmer physique. His transformation could prove vital for a Lakers squad aiming to contend in what is expected to be a stacked Western Conference.
Real Madrid fans gave a standing ovation to Luka Dončić on his return to Movistar Arena. 👏 pic.twitter.com/KzdtdWBOTj
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 25, 2025
What This Means for the Lakers
If Dončić pairs his elite offensive skill set with even moderate improvements on defense and conditioning, the Lakers could be a real threat. A leaner, more focused Dončić could ease pressure on teammates and give new head coach JJ Redick more flexibility on both ends of the court.
With the West as competitive as ever, the Lakers don’t need Dončić to be perfect defensively—but they do need him to be ready, reliable, and fully committed. Judging by his offseason progress, he’s on the right track.
