As the NBA offseason approaches August, it marks the peak of what fans often refer to as 'muscle watch' season. Recently, Luka Dončić has generated significant attention, particularly with insights shared through a profile by Men's Health. This has sparked an extensive discussion regarding his physical transformation, especially following his much-debated trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Observers have noted that Dončić appears to be in the best shape of his career—resembling the athletic prowess he showcased during his rookie season in 2018-19. His renewed commitment to fitness and diet has evidently paid off.

According to the profile, Dončić is undertaking rigorous two-a-day training sessions in Croatia, combining weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice. He is also adhering to a strict gluten-free, low-sugar diet that is rich in protein, reportedly including at least 250 grams of protein and a daily almond milk-based shake. The successful results of this regimented approach have emerged just months after the Lakers concluded a shortened season in April. If he enters EuroBasket, where he will play for Slovenia, and subsequently the 2025-26 NBA season in such formidable shape, he may finally secure his first MVP award.

Analyzing Dončić's statistics reveals remarkable potential. The box plus/minus (BPM) metric, which gauges a player's overall contribution when on the court, indicates that any BPM above 8.0 signifies an MVP-caliber season. Notably, Dončić has achieved this benchmark in four of his seven seasons, culminating in a career-high 9.9 BPM during the 2023-24 season. Despite this achievement, he has yet to finish higher than third in the MVP voting, a fact largely influenced by the presence of fellow superstar Nikola Jokić. There has also been discussion regarding Dončić's perceived level of fitness, which was cited as one of the factors leading the Dallas Mavericks to re-evaluate his standing with the team. Post-trade perceptions could potentially serve as motivation for Dončić to reconsolidate his status in the league. If he can reclaim or even surpass the explosive performance of his earlier years while integrating the refined skills he has developed, the upcoming season could witness a historically dominant chapter in Dončić's career.

During the 2023-24 period, when he achieved a BPM of 9.9, Dončić averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds, along with 4.1 three-pointers and 1.4 steals per game. His shooting percentages showcased his offensive prowess, hitting 57.3 percent from two-point range and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc. In the postseason, he maintained impressive averages of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at the age of 24. The trajectory of his career, alongside his partnership with the Mavericks, seemed poised for continued success. However, injuries curbed his availability during the 2024-25 season. The situation escalated in February when the Mavericks made a surprising trade, moving Dončić to the Lakers in a move that shocked many across the league. The trade involved Dončić being exchanged for Anthony Davis, who has experienced a history of injuries, a first-round draft pick, and a promising wing player in Max Christie.

The Mavericks' management positioned this transaction as a strategic win-now move aimed at bolstering the team's defensive capabilities. Nevertheless, this shift could serve as additional motivation for Dončić, a generational talent, to reaffirm his elite status in the league. Reaching the level Dončić has achieved requires an exceptional blend of skill and dedication, as demonstrated by his averages of 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists since the start of the 2019-20 season. Historical analysis shows that immense talent often requires indexing with challenges to achieve the highest accolades, as illustrated by the experiences of athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and others. For Dončić, the past year—including his Finals appearance, the trade to Los Angeles, and subsequent reactions from the Mavericks—may serve as a catalyst for his evolution and pursuit of the coveted MVP award.