Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has revealed a transformative fitness regimen during the offseason that may have a lasting influence on the NBA. Following the Lakers’ recent playoff exit, Doncic utilized his downtime to refine both his physical conditioning and diet, aiming to elevate his performance for the upcoming season.

Featured on the cover of Men’s Health magazine, Doncic discussed how a healthy offseason combined with disciplined workout routines and dietary adjustments have contributed to his improved shape. This revitalized approach highlights the importance he places on maintaining peak condition as a leader of the Lakers.

Intensive Training and Nutritional Discipline in Croatia

During the offseason, Doncic underwent rigorous two-a-day training sessions in Croatia while adhering to strict dietary guidelines. His program emphasizes a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes consuming at least 250 grams of protein daily along with an almond milk–based smoothie.

“What the Luka haters have never seen is this: Doncic slogging through two-a-days in Croatia while sticking to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes at least 250 grams of protein and one almond milk–fueled shake a day.” —Unattributed

This regimen has been developed over several years to prepare Doncic for sustained success on the court, a point made clear by Men’s Health during their feature.

“Our digital cover star, Luka Doncic, ready to take his game (and the Lakers) to new levels of dominance. And this summer shred has been years in the making.” —Men’s Health Mag

Postseason Break Provided Critical Recovery Time

After the Lakers’ early playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Doncic gained more than just motivation; he received the unusual benefit of a full four months off to recover physically. This extended rest period allowed him to focus fully on restoring his body and enhancing his training with help from his personal wellness team.

“The early postseason exit gave Doncic more than motivation. It granted him a full four months of rest. That’s allowed him to work in lockstep with what he calls Team Luka, a trio of wellness specialists—[physiotherapist Javier] Barrio, [trainer Anže] Maček, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros—who he hired back in 2023, after the Mavs had missed the playoffs.” —Unattributed

This collaboration reflects Doncic’s commitment to longevity in his career by proactively addressing recovery and conditioning under expert guidance alongside specialized staff he assembled since 2023.

Adjusting Diet to Reduce Inflammation and Maximize Recovery

The NBA’s grueling schedule makes it difficult to maintain an ideal diet, especially with frequent travel and late-night meals. Doncic has tackled this challenge by investing in a nutrition plan aimed at lowering body inflammation, critical for elite athletes facing demanding seasons.

Since June, his diet incorporates intermittent fasting, allowing only two protein-rich meals and one protein shake per day, timed to start only after completing his rigorous 90-minute morning workout. Exercises focus on improving footwork and deceleration to reduce injury risk.

“Since June, Doncic has gone on an intermittent fasting plan designed to limit inflammation and help his body recover better. Six days a week, he chokes down two high-protein meals and one protein shake — and he doesn’t have that first meal until he’s crushed his 90-minute morning workout. In the gym, his team has focused on footwork and deceleration.” —Unattributed

This structured eating and training strategy appears to be paying off with tangible athletic gains.

“Luka Dončić claims his vertical is now higher than his 42-inch jump from the 2018 combine. ‘I think it’s a little bit higher.’” —Legion Hoops

Potential Long-Term Benefits for Doncic and the Lakers

Developing healthy habits and injury-prevention routines now is critical for prolonging Luka Doncic’s peak years. Many star players have had their careers shortened by persistent physical issues, but Doncic aims to avoid that fate through his disciplined offseason work.

As the Lakers plan to invest hundreds of millions in their young superstar, Doncic’s readiness to embrace demanding fitness and nutritional standards bodes well for the team’s future success. His commitment to conditioning could lead to a new benchmark for how NBA athletes prepare and sustain themselves over long seasons.