Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic recently addressed speculation about his significant weight loss, firmly denying allegations that he used Ozempic, an anti-obesity drug that has gained attention in recent years. In an interview on NBC’s Today Show on July 30, Doncic clarified the matter after host Craig Melvin presented before-and-after photos comparing his physique from May 2025 to July 2025.
When Melvin asked if his rapid transformation happened without Ozempic or injections, Doncic simply shook his head and replied, “No.” His statement made it clear that his changes came solely through diet and intense training.
The Origins and Reaction to Ozempic Speculation
The rumors about Doncic’s potential use of Ozempic began circulating after NFL legend Chad Ochocinco Johnson brought up the subject on the Nightcap podcast in late May. Johnson expressed disbelief over how quickly Doncic lost weight shortly after photos showed him looking notably slimmer while attending a Real Madrid game.
Johnson questioned the plausibility of such rapid weight loss without medication, saying,
“You can’t take that as an NBA player, right? How many weeks have they been out of the season? It ain’t been that long for him to lose all that weight like that. I’m telling you he probably took that Ozempic stuff. I’m telling you.”
Following Men’s Health publication of new photos showing a much leaner Doncic, the rumors intensified. One NBA executive told Heavy Sports that the images appeared almost unreal and initially seemed AI-generated. Reflecting on his shock, the executive said,
“When I woke up and saw those, I was like, whoa.”
Doncic’s Dedication to Success and Longevity
Luka Doncic’s transformation is not only about physical changes but also signals his serious commitment to maximizing his career and achieving team success. The NBA executive acknowledged Doncic’s effort, remarking,
“I give him a lot of credit for putting in the work.”
He further noted that it took Doncic seven years in the league to decide to make such a significant adjustment, stating that before this transformation, there might have been concerns about whether his body could sustain the rigors of an extended NBA career due to his previous weight.
Doncic’s focus on winning is widely recognized, especially since his contract intentions with the Lakers reportedly depend on a clear path toward championship contention. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin emphasized this mindset on July 29 during an NBA Today episode, saying,
“This isn’t signing away to the Lakers and saying, ‘OK, you have my commitment and I’ll have some patience here.’ It’s ‘I want to win this year, I want to win the subsequent year. So long as my name is signed to a piece of paper saying I am a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, I expect to be in a position to raise banners at the Crypto.com Arena.’”
Influence on Team Dynamics and Recruitment
Doncic’s drive extends beyond personal goals to influencing the Lakers’ roster quality. His leadership helped attract high-profile free agents Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to the team. Smart revealed that receiving a personal call from Doncic was a major factor in his decision to sign.
Reflecting on his past games against Doncic, Smart said,
“I played against Luka a lot. I’ve been on a lot of opposing ends of Luka magic. And to be able to come out and be on his side at this time, it means a lot.”
Broader Implications of Doncic’s Transformation
Luka Doncic’s affirmations about his weight loss reveal the intense pressure athletes face when making physical changes publicly scrutinized in a highly competitive environment. His denial of Ozempic use underscores his reliance on personal discipline rather than shortcuts. This stance may impact how fans and analysts interpret rapid body transformations in sports moving forward.
As Doncic continues his career with the Lakers, his physical condition and determination to win will remain closely watched, with many anticipating whether this new level of commitment translates to on-court success and potential championship glory in the near future.