A motivated Luka Dončić is putting in the hours this summer to ensure he’s his best version for the Lakers this upcoming season.
Fans often see players posting workout videos on social media during the summer and hear athletes claiming to be in top shape as they enter a new NBA season.
However, when it comes to Luka Dončić, there is some bite to go along with that bark. Earlier in the offseason, images circulated showing Luka looking noticeably slimmer.
It turns out these pictures weren’t just the camera hitting Luka at the right angles. He has completely revamped his workouts and diet to be his best self as a Laker.
In an exclusive with Men’s Health, details on Luka’s new regimen were revealed.
What the Luka haters have never seen is this: Dončić slogging through two-a-days in Croatia while sticking to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes at least 250 grams of protein and one almond milk–fueled shake a day. They never knew that Dončić had quietly constructed a fitness team several years ago to help enhance his (very dangerous) natural gifts. And they never realized how much he committed to training and diet this summer.
Since June, Dončić has gone on an intermittent fasting plan designed to limit inflammation and help his body recover better. Six days a week, he chokes down two high-protein meals and one protein shake—and he doesn’t have that first meal until he’s crushed his 90-minute morning workout.
We’ve never heard of Luka having a strict diet and workouts of this caliber before. Instead, we’ve seen him looking a bit plump, and it’s not hard to find images of him drinking beers and smoking hookah.
Luka’s affinity towards this kind of lifestyle and his lack of conditioning were some of the reasons Dallas did the unthinkable and traded him to Los Angeles midseason.
Dončić mentioned these criticisms would only motivate him more, and during his first offseason as a Laker, he certainly appears to be putting in the appropriate effort.
Hearing how dedicated Luka is to his body this summer should be music to Lakers fans’ ears. Last season, the Lakers fell well short of their goal, getting eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs by the Wolves.
Afterwards, head coach JJ Redick mentioned players on the Lakers needed to be in “championship shape” and Luka got the message loud and clear.
They say the best revenge is living well, and Luka appears to be ready to test that theory.
If he comes into training camp in top shape and as motivated as ever, that gives him, the Lakers and even LeBron James the best chance to compete in a brutal Western Conference.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.