The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade on February 2, 2025, rotating the NBA landscape. Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has undergone a remarkable physical change, appearing noticeably slimmer in a recent Men’s Health magazine cover shoot, a transformation that has caught the attention of Lakers legend Magic Johnson. Johnson praised Doncic’s dedication on social media, interpreting the change as a sign of Doncic’s renewed commitment to chasing an NBA championship with his new team.
I love how Luka is showing his Laker teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body!
—Magic Johnson, Lakers Legend
Mixed Reactions from NBA Fans Over Luka’s Fitness Focus
While Magic Johnson’s endorsement highlighted optimism regarding Doncic’s renewed focus, many NBA fans expressed skepticism online. Viewers noted that being in top physical shape is a basic expectation for a professional athlete rather than a noteworthy achievement. Several fans questioned whether this transformation would translate into consistent performance during the season, especially given Doncic’s previous struggles with conditioning affecting his play.
Let’s see if he shows them all season long…that’s always been the issue with Luka,
one fan commented.
A pro athlete being in top shape is now praised. Man we fell a lot,
another user added.
The 5-game 1st round PO exit this year gave him an extra 6 weeks to work out. He has had an off season team for 3 years now and the last time he showed up close to this shape he averaged 34-10-9 and went the to Finals,
a third fan observed.
Context of Luka Doncic’s Trade and the Lakers’ Performance
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic was influenced partly by concerns over his inability to maintain an ideal playing weight, which some believed limited his overall effectiveness. Dallas faced criticism for letting go of one of the league’s brightest stars, although the move did not hurt them in the long run. The Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting promising talent Cooper Flagg, bolstering their roster for the future.
Meanwhile, the Lakers finished the season winning their division and securing third place in the Western Conference. Despite these successes, their playoff journey was cut short by a first-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic’s offseason transformation is seen as a potential step toward overcoming these obstacles and strengthening the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
The Importance of Luka’s New Commitment for the Lakers’ Future
Luka Doncic’s weight loss and physical conditioning carry significant implications for the Lakers as they aim to contend for the NBA title. Magic Johnson’s comments reflect a belief that this commitment could inspire the team and contribute to greater success on the court. However, fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if this transformation leads to sustained improvements in Doncic’s performance rather than a temporary offseason adjustment.
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Doncic to determine if his slimmed down physique will translate into the level of endurance, agility, and leadership needed to elevate the Lakers deep into the playoffs.