Luka Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, revealed a significantly leaner physique during the offseason, as featured in the latest issue of Men’s Health. His focused training and specialized diet taken over the summer in Croatia highlight how the star is intensifying his preparation to elevate his game with the Lakers.
Details of Doncic’s Rigorous Workout and Nutrition Plan
Sports journalists Andrew Heffernan and Ebenezer Samuel provided an inside look at Doncic’s offseason routine, emphasizing the disciplined approach he took. According to their report, Dončić endured demanding two-a-day workouts abroad, combined with a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that included at least 250 grams of protein daily and almond milk protein shakes to support muscle recovery.
What the Luka haters have never seen is this: Dončić 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,
Heffernan and Samuel wrote.
Dončić quietly assembled a fitness team years ago, and his dedication this summer to both training and nutrition is more intense than ever.
Here’s the thing too: Even if you thought Luka Dončić had a dadbod, he was already a top-five NBA player. And after pushing hard this offseason, he can’t help but wonder how high he’ll level up. ‘If I stop now,’ Dončić says of his effort to rebuild his body, ‘it was all for nothing.’
Shift in Offseason Focus Following Lakers’ Playoff Exit
After the Lakers’ playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić made it clear to his management that his offseason efforts would be concentrated solely on training. He adopted a new mindset to improve different aspects of his game, spending more time building strength in the weight room before gradually adding basketball drills by June.
So every summer I try my best to work on different things,
Dončić said.
Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.
Early Questions About Dončić’s Athleticism and His Response
Since entering the NBA in 2018, Dončić’s physicality has drawn scrutiny. Pre-draft analysis from Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report questioned his explosiveness and lateral quickness, suggesting those areas as potential weaknesses for a guard or wing listed at 6’6″.
Despite concerns, Dončić quickly proved his stature by winning Rookie of the Year, followed by a first-team All-NBA selection in his second season, which silenced many critics.
Ongoing Concerns Over Durability and Conditioning
Nevertheless, discussions about Doncic’s conditioning have persisted. These concerns intensified following his trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, as Dallas’s front office, led by general manager Nico Harrison, reportedly had reservations about how his body might endure in the long run.
Injuries have occasionally hampered Dončić, and only twice has he appeared in over 70 games in a season. His new emphasis on weight training and cardio this offseason suggests a strategic response to those durability concerns, possibly heightened by the circumstances of his trade.
The Impact of Doncic’s Trade and What Lies Ahead
The trade, which involved the Mavericks sending one of the league’s brightest talents away, sparked criticism of Dallas’s management. Given Dončić’s prime age and exceptional skills, moving him was seen as a last resort.
If Luka’s intensified offseason regimen translates into higher performance levels on the court, it could cast the Mavericks’ decision in an even harsher light. For the Lakers and their fans, it signals potential growth and a renewed challenge for the team as Dončić continues to evolve.