As August approaches, the NBA enters a phase often referred to as 'muscle watch' season. Luka Dončić has recently joined the conversation on this topic, drawing significant attention with his visible physical transformation. After much scrutiny surrounding his fitness following a notable trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić now appears to be in the best shape he has been in years, reminiscent of his rookie season during 2018-19. This transformation is attributed to his disciplined approach towards training and nutrition, particularly as he engages in rigorous two-a-day workouts in Croatia, combining weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practices.

According to a profile from Men's Health, Dončić has adhered to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, ensuring he consumes at least 250 grams of protein each day, accompanied by a daily almond milk-based shake. The results of this commitment are evident, and should Dončić maintain this improved condition through the EuroBasket tournament—where he will represent Slovenia—his chances of capturing his first MVP award during the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season could become increasingly plausible. Analyzing his box plus/minus (BPM), a metric designed to assess a player's impact relative to their team when on the court, reveals that Dončić has exceeded a BPM of 8.0 in four of his seven NBA seasons, achieving a career-high BPM of 9.9 in the 2023-24 season, despite having never finished higher than third in MVP voting.

Playing concurrently with Nikola Jokić has likely influenced Dončić's MVP prospects, compounded by a perceived lack of commitment to fitness that led to his departure from the Dallas Mavericks. However, this perception may backfire, as a revitalized Dončić returning to NBA competition with the same explosiveness he demonstrated early in his career, or even enhanced, while maintaining his refined skill set could herald an unprecedented peak in his performance. In the 2023-24 season—during which he recorded a BPM of 9.9—Dončić averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds, alongside a league-leading figure in points per game. His postseason performance further cemented his status as a star, averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at just 24 years old. Despite injuries affecting his availability in the subsequent 2024-25 season, the Mavericks’ surprising trade—which involved the exchange of Dončić for Anthony Davis and a single first-round draft pick—has fueled speculation regarding his potential resurgence. As the Mavericks attempt to position themselves as a defensive powerhouse, it remains to be seen if this move will motivate Dončić to showcase his exceptional talents, ultimately guiding him toward his first MVP accolade.