As August approaches, the NBA enters its annual 'muscle watch' season. This week, Luka Dončić has rekindled the discussion around player fitness, aided by a feature in Men's Health. Following some criticism regarding his physique after his transition from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears to have significantly trimmed down, showcasing a physique reminiscent of his rookie season in 2018-19. His newfound commitment to both workouts and nutrition has been notable.

According to the recent profile, Dončić has been engaging in twice-daily training sessions that incorporate weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice in Croatia. He is reported to be adhering to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, which includes at least 250 grams of protein and a daily almond milk-based shake. The improvements in his conditioning are already apparent just months after his abbreviated season with the Lakers concluded in April. If this version of Dončić stays healthy and performs well in EuroBasket, where he will represent Slovenia, he has a solid chance of competing for his first MVP award in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

In terms of performance metrics, Dončić has consistently demonstrated his value on the court. His box plus/minus (BPM), a statistic that evaluates a player’s overall contribution to their team while on the floor, has been impressive, especially his career-high BPM of 9.9 during the 2023-24 season. Over four of his seven years in the NBA, he has surpassed the 8.0 BPM mark, indicative of an MVP-worthy campaign. However, despite his skill set, he has historically struggled to secure a top position in MVP voting, finishing third at best, partly attributed to sharing the league stage with elite players like Nikola Jokić. His fluctuating fitness levels also contributed, with the Mavericks citing this as a reason for his trade, a decision that may have unintended repercussions.

With Dončić returning to the court at an optimal weight, if he can recapture—or even enhance—the explosiveness showcased in his early NBA seasons while maintaining the advanced skills he has developed, this could lead to what may be his most dominant season yet. In his standout 2023-24 year, he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game, along with impressive shooting percentages of 57.3% from two-point range and 38.2% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, during the playoffs that year, he maintained a strong average of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at the young age of 24.

However, injuries hampered his performance in the following season, 2024-25, and his status with the Mavericks came into question when a surprising trade sent him to the Lakers. This trade, involving Anthony Davis and a first-round draft pick, raised eyebrows across the league. The Mavericks framed this move as a strategic decision to strengthen their defensive capabilities and position themselves as better title contenders. However, the underlying implication may have motivated Dončić to elevate his game further, proving himself to be an extraordinary force in the league.

Achieving elite status in the NBA is no simple feat, as evidenced by Dončić's impressive statistics over six seasons—averaging 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists since the 2019-20 season. While individual skill is crucial, translating that talent into MVP awards and championships often necessitates navigating adversity. Historic players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James have all faced significant challenges before reaching their zenith. The past year for Dončić, marked by a Finals loss and a shocking trade, may ultimately refine him, setting the stage for a potential MVP award as he continues to evolve into the player he was always meant to be.