Recent pictures published by Men’s Health magazine showing Luka Doncic training in a gym have caused considerable buzz in the NBA community. The Lakers point guard’s visible weight loss sparked a heated debate, especially after sports analyst Skip Bayless called him a “fat rat.” This controversy comes as Doncic nears a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, fueling speculation about his motivation behind the physical changes.
Controversy Over Timing and Motives Behind Doncic’s Fitness Changes
Over the summer, Luka Doncic focused on improving his physical condition, responding to past criticism regarding his fitness during his time with the Mavericks. While many viewed this as a positive step, Bayless remained doubtful of Doncic’s intentions. He suggested that the weight loss was strategically timed to coincide with Doncic becoming eligible for a lucrative Supermax contract extension with the Lakers on August 2.
Bayless expressed his harsh opinion bluntly:
I’m talking about a rat, a fat rat, I’m talking about Luka Doncic. Just before he becomes eligible on August 2 for his first big Supermax with the Lakers… all of a sudden, Luka appears on the cover of Men’s Health, even more muscular than me?
—Skip Bayless, Sports Analyst
Magic Johnson Commends Doncic’s Commitment to Fitness and Team Success
Contrasting Bayless’s critique, NBA legend Magic Johnson shared positive remarks about Luka Doncic’s physical transformation. After arriving in Barcelona this past Tuesday, Johnson praised the Slovenian star for his dedication to conditioning and set an encouraging example for his Lakers teammates. Johnson’s support was evident in a message posted on his official X account:
I love how Luka is showing his Lakers teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body!
—Magic Johnson, NBA Legend
The Broader Impact of Doncic’s Physical Transformation
Luka Doncic’s recent weight loss has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, highlighting the intense scrutiny athletes face regarding their physical appearance and performance. As Doncic approaches a significant contract milestone with the Lakers, his dedication to improving his fitness could influence both his career trajectory and the team’s future success. The debate ignited by Bayless’s remarks underscores the pressure players endure during contract negotiations, while support from figures like Magic Johnson reinforces the value of commitment to team goals.