As August approaches, the NBA enters a pivotal period often referred to as 'muscle watch' season. This week, Luka Dončić, in collaboration with Men's Health, has attracted significant attention. Following extensive scrutiny regarding his physique after his 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 in 2018-19. The transformation is attributed to his dedication to both workouts and dietary choices.

As detailed in the profile, Dončić has engaged in rigorous training that includes two daily sessions of weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practices while in Croatia. Alongside this physical regimen, he is committed to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that provides at least 250 grams of protein daily, inclusive of an almond milk-powered shake. The effects of these efforts, just months after the conclusion of his abbreviated season with the Lakers in April, are already apparent. Should he maintain this condition through EuroBasket, where he is set to represent Slovenia, and into the 2025-26 NBA season, he may finally secure his first MVP award.

Luka's box plus/minus (BPM), a metric that evaluates a player's contribution to the team while on the court, has exceeded the MVP threshold of 8.0 in four of his seven NBA seasons, with a peak of 9.9 in the 2023-24 season. Despite these impressive statistics, he has yet to finish higher than third in MVP voting, a situation arguably compounded by his contemporaneous rivalry with Nikola Jokić. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Dončić was influenced by concerns over his perceived lack of fitness commitment, a narrative that they publicized rather pointedly and could potentially backfire. If Dončić returns to the court displaying the explosiveness reminiscent of his early career—perhaps even enhanced—while incorporating the nuanced aspects he has cultivated over the years, the league may witness his most formidable season yet. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, showcasing exceptional shooting efficiency with 57.3 percent from two-point range and 38.2 percent from three.

During the playoffs, he maintained averages of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at just 24 years of age. His trajectory seemed set for continued growth, but injuries hampered his performance in the 2024-25 season. In February, the shocking trade that sent him to the Lakers for Anthony Davis—a player past his prime influenced by injuries—along with one first-round draft pick and promising wing Max Christie, demonstrated Dallas’ shift in focus. The Mavericks and their general manager, Nico Harrison, framed the move as a means to enhance defensive capabilities and aim for a championship run. However, this strategy may instead fuel Dončić's determination to prove his worth further. Achieving his level of excellence is no accident; it demands extraordinary skill, which he has demonstrated by averaging 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists throughout his career since the start of the 2019-20 season. However, excellence alone does not guarantee MVP accolades or championships—they often come through overcoming adversity. For Dončić, the past year, including his NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics and the abrupt trade to Los Angeles, could serve as the catalyst for him to reach new heights and ultimately earn his first MVP award.