As August approaches, the focus within the NBA shifts to a season commonly referred to as 'muscle watch.' This week, Luka Dončić made headlines after an interview with Men's Health, reigniting discussions surrounding his fitness and appearance. Following his controversial trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić has visibly transformed, appearing noticeably leaner and more athletic—a stark contrast to his physique over previous seasons. Observers note that he has not looked this fit since his impressive rookie campaign in 2018-19.

Dončić's commitment to improvement is evident through his rigorous training regimen, which reportedly includes two-a-day workouts that combine weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice in Croatia. In addition to his exercise routine, he has adhered to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, incorporating at least 250 grams of protein and one almond milk-based shake each day. The effects of these changes are apparent as he prepares for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, where he will represent Slovenia, and looks ahead to the 2025-26 NBA season with the aim of capturing his first MVP award.

One key metric used to evaluate a player’s performance is box plus/minus (BPM), which estimates a player's overall contribution to their team while on the court. A BPM score above 8.0 is generally indicative of an MVP-quality season. Dončić has exceeded this threshold in four of his seven seasons, recording a career-high BPM of 9.9 during the 2023-24 season despite never finishing higher than third in MVP voting. Factors such as competing with Nikola Jokić for accolades and concerns over his fitness may have hindered his chances in past seasons. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to move on from Dončić—partly attributed to perceived fitness issues—could prove to be a miscalculation. Should he return to play with enhanced explosiveness while seamlessly integrating the advanced skills he has developed throughout his career, the NBA might witness the most remarkable season of Dončić's career to date. In the illustrious 2023-24 season, he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game, further demonstrating his capabilities during the postseason by leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where he maintained averages of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists as a 24-year-old.

Despite his impressive performance trajectory, Dončić faced challenges during the 2024-25 season due to injuries. Moreover, in a shocking turn, the Mavericks traded him in February, relinquishing a superstar offensive talent for Anthony Davis, a player past his prime and with a history of injuries, alongside just one first-round draft pick and a promising young wing in Max Christie. The Mavericks framed the deal as a strategic move aimed at establishing a defense-oriented championship contender. However, it may instead serve to galvanize Dončić, compelling him to showcase his elite skills and reassert his status as a top player in the league. Reaching Dončić's level of expertise demands not only talent but also overcoming adversity. Players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James experienced significant challenges on their paths to greatness, and the last year for Dončić—including the Finals loss to the Boston Celtics and the highly publicized trade—could push him closer to achieving his MVP aspirations.