Luka Doncic’s notable weight loss, showcased on the cover of Men’s Health magazine, has captured significant attention within the NBA community. However, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith offered a cautious view on the actual impact of this transformation during a recent episode of First Take. Smith acknowledged Doncic’s elite offensive abilities but suggested that the league’s perception of him should not shift dramatically based solely on his improved physique.
Smith highlighted the difference between offseason conditioning and maintaining peak form throughout the rigorous NBA season, emphasizing the need to observe whether Doncic’s improved fitness persists during competitive play. He remarked, “Conditioning is obviously imperative,” underlining that sustainable physical health is critical to a player’s overall performance on the court.
Background on the motivating factors after a difficult season
Doncic’s recent physical transformation comes after a challenging 2024-25 season disrupted by injuries, resulting in a career-low 50 games played. His time was further affected by the demands of the NBA Finals and participation in the Olympics, which limited his recovery. During this time, the Dallas Mavericks’ General Manager Nico Harrison indicated Doncic’s strong determination to come back stronger and demonstrate progress in the near future.
In an interview with Men’s Health, Doncic described this offseason as different from previous years due to a heightened motivation. He said,
“Every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different. It kind of motivated me to be even better,”
and added,
“This is just the start. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”
What the road ahead looks like for Doncic
Now fully recovered, Luka Doncic has committed to an intense offseason regime aimed at improving his conditioning and overall game. He will also have a platform to display this progress while representing Slovenia in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament. While his offensive prowess remains unquestioned, Doncic and those around him are aware that defensive consistency and off-ball movement are key areas needing attention.
Smith’s cautious remarks highlight the importance of maintaining fitness through the NBA season for sustainable success, suggesting that physical appearance alone does not guarantee improved performance. As Doncic prepares for the next chapter of his career, all eyes will be on how this weight loss transformation translates into his play under the pressures of a full NBA schedule.