NBA executives were jolted out of their usual offseason complacency by revealing images of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic showing a striking new level of fitness. The photos, released in July 2025 through Men’s Health and seen during a Yankees game alongside Aaron Judge, have sent ripples through the league about what this In-shape Luka Doncic means for the Lakers’ future.
NBA insiders noted that such a visible physical transformation was so unexpected it prompted questions about its authenticity, with one southwestern executive asking if the images were the result of Photoshop or special effects. Yet, the reality was clear: Doncic had reshaped both his look and the expectations around him.
An NBA Executive Commends Luka’s Commitment and Its Ramifications for the Lakers
One executive from the southwest openly praised Luka for dedicating himself to this new regimen, acknowledging the hard work behind the transformation while also questioning why it took seven years for him to make this change.
“I give him a lot of credit for putting in the work,”
the executive stated. There is a recognition that although the Lakers may still face roster challenges this season, Doncic’s improved fitness lends credibility to the franchise’s long-term hopes. The expectation that Doncic is positioned to succeed LeBron James as the Lakers’ leader now seems more achievable thanks to this enhanced physical condition.
Previously, doubts lingered over whether Doncic’s physique could sustain the rigors of an extended career, especially given concerns about his weight and injury history. But now, with his renewed shape, those uncertainties appear diminished.
“Before all this, you had to wonder if his body was going to hold up with all that extra weight and allow him to have the kind of long career the franchise would want if it makes that kind of commitment to him,”
an executive reflected.
Lakers’ Transformation Leaves League Coaches Alarmed and Uneasy
The response among league coaches has been one of apprehension mixed with astonishment. A seasoned sideline veteran expressed clear anxiety about what a fitter Luka Doncic means for the competition.
“People should be very terrified,” the coach admitted with a laugh, explaining that while Luka was already a dominant scorer averaging 28.6 points per game despite his prior bulk, a more athletic and durable version could elevate his game even further.
This veteran emphasized that improved stamina is vital as teams navigate a grueling NBA schedule and playoff battles. With better conditioning, Luka could not only boost his on-court performance but also avoid the injuries that have hampered him in past seasons.
“But I would be terrified. That guy in shape? That’s scary. I saw those pictures. That’s scary. Luka not in shape was amazing. Now? I think it’s going to be frightening for the rest of the league,”
the coach concluded.
Dallas Mavericks Fans Left Questioning Luka’s Previous Effort and Trade Value
Luka Doncic’s time with the Dallas Mavericks has come under renewed scrutiny in light of his transformation. Footage showing him joining the New York Yankees TV booth alongside Michael Kay reignited the conversation, with Kay humorously suggesting sending a copy of the Men’s Health story to Dallas as a pointed message.
Inside the Mavericks organization, concerns had mounted about Luka’s commitment to defense and body care during his tenure, especially as the team prepared to lose him in the blockbuster trade. Questions arose over whether Luka would invest in his fitness to justify a potential $345 million contract extension, a figure the Lakers now seem better positioned to offer.
A general manager commented on the bittersweet feelings dominating Dallas, noting that while many felt the Mavericks should have negotiated a superior trade package, seeing Doncic’s impressive conditioning now might cause frustration among the fanbase.
“Look, everyone thinks Dallas should have gotten more for Luka, gotten a better deal,”
the general manager said.
“But some of those people who were outside the arena in Dallas holding signs and picketing because they traded him have to be thinking twice when they see what kind of shape he’s in now.”
For fans, there is a question of why Luka had not committed to his body while playing for Dallas, making it harder to accept their former star’s reinvention coming from Los Angeles.
“If I’m a Dallas fan, I’m thinking, ‘Why the hell didn’t he put in the work and get in shape like this when he played for us?’”
the official added.
“I can see people there being pissed off about that. Like I said, it doesn’t mean the Mavs shouldn’t have gotten more for him, but it can’t feel good to see him make this kind of commitment in LA when he wouldn’t do it in Dallas.”
Depth and Roster Moves Could Influence Focus on Luka’s Fitness
Despite the attention being paid to Doncic’s new condition, some figures in the NBA caution that the full implications depend on roster composition and supporting players. If the Lakers struggle to build sufficient depth, or if Dallas leverages new assets such as Cooper Flagg and a potential return from Kyrie Irving, the narrative around Luka’s fitness could shift.
“Of course, if the Lakers don’t have the kind of depth they need and Dallas gets a big impact from (Cooper) Flagg — and Kyrie (Irving) somehow makes it back late in the year and can play — people won’t be talking about Luka’s body,”
an NBA insider remarked.
The evolving landscape suggests that while Luka Doncic’s remarkable transformation has changed how the league views him and his role with the Lakers, the broader context of team performance and roster moves will still shape how this story unfolds in the coming seasons.