Luka Dončić shuts down critics with dramatic offseason fitness overhaul

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić has spent the past two months of the offseason in Croatia working on his health and conditioning ahead of the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season.

A recent article in Men’s Health, published on Monday, July 28, included pictures of a much slimmer and fitter Dončić. The 26-year-old has adopted a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, which includes intermittent fasting and high protein intake.

“Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better. Every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better,” Dončić said.

He confirmed that he immediately contacted his manager after the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of last season’s NBA playoffs, informing her that he wanted to begin a new training program as soon as possible.

The superstar guard also drew inspiration from NBA icons Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, who were known for their elite fitness levels and for dedicating their offseasons to intense physical training.

Our digital cover star, Luka Doncic, ready to take his game (and the Lakers) to new levels of dominance. And this summer shred has been years in the making.https://t.co/aB19DY7rrL pic.twitter.com/bjVsf1ampI

— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) July 28, 2025

“This year, with my team, I think we took a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can’t stop,” he added.

The Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world midway through last season when they traded Dončić to the Lakers. Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont and general manager Nico Harrison have consistently defended the blockbuster trade amid widespread criticism. Dallas management cited concerns over Dončić’s fitness and work ethic as key reasons they lost faith in a player once considered a generational talent.

Criticism has often been aimed at the Slovenian star for his lack of dietary discipline and commitment to conditioning—factors that may have contributed to his injury troubles last season. A calf injury limited Dončić to a career-low 50 games, and it appears the criticism and injuries served as a wake-up call.

“Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” Dončić concluded.

It remains to be seen whether this transformation will pay off, but there is no doubt that he is a once-in-a-generation talent on the court.

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