One of the most striking storylines of this NBA season — and something few saw coming — has been the physical transformation of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic. It’s a change that not only caught the league’s attention but also sent a warning to the rest of the NBA.
In a recent interview alongside Dirk Nowitzki, the Lakers star reflected on his journey from a young fan watching his idols to sharing the court with them. He described it as a full-circle experience that few players ever get to live.
“I’m happy where I am,” said Doncic. “It’s a full-circle moment in life to watch you, watch LeBron, watch all of these great players on TV, and then you get to play with them or play against them. That’s what every kid who plays basketball dreams of.”
Doncic was drafted third overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. After winning Rookie of the Year, he quickly ascended to superstardom, earning five consecutive All-Star selections. As the face of the Mavericks, he was adored by fans and celebrated as the franchise cornerstone in Dallas.
Doncic on his physical transformation
Doncic also opened up about his fitness journey and what pushed him to take his conditioning more seriously. Following last season’s grueling Finals run, the 26-year-old made a personal vow to elevate both his body and his game.
“My fitness journey started in the Finals,” Doncic said. “Last season was hard for me — there were a lot of things going on. But I’m 26 years old, and I’ve got a long way ahead of me.”
When the Mavericks suddenly traded him in 2025, it shocked the entire league. Even Nowitzki admitted he had no idea it was coming. Doncic viewed the move as a betrayal, believing he would spend his entire career in Dallas. But when the team publicly questioned his conditioning and work ethic after the deal, Doncic used it as motivation — dedicating himself to the most transformative offseason of his career.
He shined at EuroBasket with Slovenia, impressing teammates and coaches with his intensity and leadership. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to build chemistry with his new Lakers teammates and develop a year-round training plan to stay lean and durable.
Doncic’s impressive start to the season
The new version of Luka Doncic has turned heads across the NBA. He looked dominant on opening night, dropping 43 points and 12 rebounds on 63 percent shooting. While the Lakers fell short in that matchup, Doncic’s renewed focus and conditioning made it clear — this is a different player, and he’s just getting started.