The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world on February 2, 2024, by trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić. Since the trade, Davis has faced challenges adapting and showing his full capability on the Mavericks’ roster, but recent offseason activities have sparked fresh enthusiasm among fans eager to see him reach his potential.
An image circulating on social media revealed Davis training at the Mavericks’ facility in Dallas, appearing leaner and more focused than he had in months. This sighting raised questions about a possible overhaul in his training regimen, encouraging speculation that Davis might be transforming his approach to fitness and conditioning ahead of the new season.
Fan Reactions to Visible Changes in Davis’ Conditioning
Fans have been quick to note a possible link between Davis’ current physique and the offseason transformation that Luka Dončić underwent. Last season, concerns over Dončić’s conditioning partly fueled the trade. During his own offseason, Dončić committed to a strict diet centered on high protein intake, reportedly consuming around 250 grams daily from sources like chicken, eggs, and low-carb whey protein shakes without added sugar. This regimen helped him shed 31 pounds and significantly improve his health.
Encouraged by this example, Mavericks supporters suspect Davis is adopting a comparable plan to enhance his durability and overall on-court performance.
Looks like he took a cue from Luka. Looks skinny,
—fan
AD on the Luka Dallas diet.
—fan
Despite averaging a solid 20 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across nine regular-season games for Dallas, Davis’s season was hampered by injuries. His limited availability kept many fans distanced from following his contributions closely, with some surprised to see him back at the Mavericks’ training facility during the offseason.
I totally forgot he plays for Dallas,
—fan
Challenges and Health Updates Affecting Davis’ Season
Davis sustained a left adductor muscle strain during his Mavericks debut on February 8, which sidelined him for several weeks. More notably, he underwent surgery during the offseason to repair a detached retina sustained during the season. Observers noted visible changes in Davis’s appearance, especially near his eyes, leading to questions about his full recovery.
Does AD’s eyes healed already? asked a fan on social media, reflecting curiosity about his health status.
While most opinions focused on Davis’s visible progress and comparisons with Dončić’s transformation, there were some dissenting voices regarding his physical condition. One fan expressed skepticism about his apparent weight loss.
Is it just me or dose [sic] AD look like he added some weight,
—fan
What This Means for Davis and the Mavericks Moving Forward
The visible signs of Anthony Davis’s offseason transformation have created a mix of anxious anticipation and tentative hope within the Mavericks community. If Davis’s renewed focus and conditioning are genuine, Dallas could soon benefit from the version of the All-Star player they expected when orchestrating the trade. His ability to stay healthy and maintain this level of fitness will be critical for the Mavericks as they aim to build a competitive roster for the 2024-25 season.