When the Los Angeles Lakers secured Luka Doncic, there was one lingering concern: his conditioning. Fans and analysts alike pointed out that Doncic appeared to be carrying extra weight, and questions were raised about how it might impact his performance over the long haul. But this NBA offseason, both Doncic and the Lakers seem to have tackled that issue head-on.
The Slovenian star is now featured on the summer cover of the prestigious U.S. edition of Men’s Health magazine, revealing a dramatic physical transformation that has quieted many of his harshest critics. Gone are the doubts about his physique — replaced by headlines celebrating his renewed commitment to fitness.
Doncic has reportedly spent the offseason grinding in the gym, not only to prepare for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament — where he’ll once again lead Slovenia — but more importantly, to enter his second NBA season with the Lakers in peak shape. The results are clearly paying off.
The Men’s Health feature dives into Doncic’s training routine, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his intense workouts in a quiet Croatian village. Alongside personal trainer Anze Macek, Doncic has been completing double 90-minute sessions that include weightlifting, agility drills, and shooting practice. The former Real Madrid standout appears locked in, both mentally and physically.
“I obviously want to be the best I can be and take care of myself,” Doncic told the magazine. “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.”
Fan reaction to Doncic’s transformation
Fans quickly took to social media to react to Doncic’s new look — and most weren’t shy about their surprise. Many hadn’t seen the Lakers guard since their final playoff game, and the sudden appearance of a leaner, more defined Doncic sparked everything from memes to praise-filled comments.