As August approaches, NBA enthusiasts enter a period often referred to as 'muscle watch' season. This week, Luka Dončić has captured attention with a spotlight on his physical transformation, notably shared through Men's Health. After a lengthy period of scrutiny regarding his physique following his notable trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears to be in the best shape he has been in years, reminiscent of his rookie season in 2018-19. His progress is attributed to a dedicated regimen that emphasizes both exercise and nutrition.

According to insights from his profile, Dončić is participating in two-a-day training sessions in Croatia, which consist of a combination of weightlifting, agility drills, and shooting practices. He is also adhering to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, incorporating at least 250 grams of protein daily along with a shake made from almond milk. These significant lifestyle changes have resulted in noticeable physical improvements, leading to speculation that if he successfully navigates EuroBasket while representing Slovenia and enters the 2025-26 NBA season at this level of fitness, he might finally secure his first MVP award.

In terms of performance metrics, Dončić has consistently demonstrated his elite capabilities. The box plus/minus (BPM) statistic, a key indicator of a player's effectiveness on the court, shows that he has surpassed an 8.0 BPM threshold in four of his seven seasons. Notably, he achieved a career-high BPM of 9.9 during the 2023-24 season, although he has yet to place higher than third in MVP voting—a situation exacerbated by his concurrent presence alongside Nikola Jokić. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Dončić was influenced by concerns regarding his fitness commitment; however, the manner in which this decision was communicated to the public may have unintended consequences. If Dončić returns to the court displaying increased explosiveness while maintaining the refined skills he has honed throughout his career, observers could be witnessing the most dominant season of his career to date.