As August approaches, the NBA enters a crucial period often referred to as 'muscle watch' season, where player conditioning and transformations come into the spotlight. This year, Luka Dončić garners attention for his physical changes, highlighted in a profile with Men's Health. Following speculation about his fitness, particularly after his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears more toned and athletic than he has in recent years, reminiscent of his early career during the 2018-19 rookie season.

Dončić's commitment to fitness has been evident through his rigorous training regimen, which includes two-a-day workouts combining weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting exercises in Croatia. His dedication extends to his nutrition as well, adhering to a gluten-free and low-sugar diet, consuming at least 250 grams of protein daily alongside a shake made with almond milk. The visible results of his efforts come just months after his first limited season with the Lakers ended in April, placing him in a prime position to contend for the elusive MVP award if he maintains this form into the 2025-26 NBA season.

Luka Dončić's career statistics support the notion of his MVP potential, as he has achieved a box plus/minus (BPM) exceeding 8.0 in four of his seven seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he achieved a career-best BPM of 9.9, averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game. Despite these impressive numbers, Dončić has experienced challenges in securing the MVP title, often overshadowed by contemporaries like Nikola Jokić and facing scrutiny regarding his fitness and conditioning. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade him amid concerns about his physique may have unintended consequences, sparking motivation in the young star to demonstrate his true potential on the court.

Historically, great athletes have faced adversity on their paths to success, and Dončić's recent experiences—including a Finals appearance at just 24 years old, injuries that limited his playtime in the following season, and a controversial trade—might serve as defining moments in his career. The potential for Dončić to tap into these experiences could lead to an unprecedented season in which he not only showcases his exceptional skills but also claims his first MVP award.