The Los Angeles Lakers are in for an exciting 2025-26 season as it appears they’re going to get the best version of Luka Doncic.
Doncic took the time this offseason to transform his body and he showed off his new physique on his Jordan Brand tour as well as in a feature for Men’s Health. Doncic looks like a completely different player as he’s slimmed down considerably, a clear indication that he’s in game shape.
So far, Luka has been showing off his game during the EuroBasket 25 exhibition slate and most recently led Slovenia to its first win over Great Britain. Doncic poured in 28 points to go along with six rebounds and 10 assists in his most complete showing thus far. The Lakers star had a good groove going offensively and displayed much more burst and agility than he previously showed.
With the upcoming season nearly upon fans, the popular video game franchise NBA 2K has been teasing player rankings and Doncic cracked the top 10 with a 95 rating:
Luka Dončić is the 4th highest rated player in #NBA2K26 at 95 OVR!
@luka7doncic | #NBA2KTop100 pic.twitter.com/wud0bsd8Li
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 21, 2025
Doncic comes in at fourth on the list behind only Nikola Jokic (98), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (98) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (97), tied with Anthony Edwards (95), and ahead of Stephen Curry (94), LeBron James (94), Jayson Tatum (94), Victor Wembanyama (94) and Kevin Durant (93). Although Doncic and James find themselves ranked in the middle of their fellow superstars, they represent the only two players on the same team in the top 10. Austin Reaves is the third-highest Laker with an 85.
One could argue Doncic deserves to be in the top three behind Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, but he was likely dinged a tad for his 2024-25 campaign. Luka missed nearly two months of game action after rehabbing a calf injury and clearly didn’t look like himself once he got to Los Angeles. While Doncic eventually found his footing, he was still far from the otherworldly player he’s established himself as.
Doncic shouldn’t have to wait too long to see his rating adjusted if he starts the 2025-26 season off on a high note. He has every reason to be motivated following his emotional departure from the Dallas Mavericks coupled with any doubts that he can restore the Lakers to glory.
Doncic is being touted as the early MVP favorite and only time will tell if he can hit those lofty expectations.
Greg St. Jean looking forward to Luka Doncic and LeBron James building chemistry in training camp
Luka Doncic and LeBron James will be counted on to lead the Lakers this season and assistant coach Greg St. Jean acknowledged he’s looking forward to see the two stars build chemistry during training camp.
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