As August approaches, attention within the NBA shifts to player conditioning, often termed 'muscle watch' season. Recently, Luka Dončić, with insights from Men's Health, has ignited significant discussion regarding his physical transformation, particularly following his high-profile trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. After being scrutinized for his physique in the past, Dončić has emerged looking notably more athletic, reminiscent of his performance during his rookie year in 2018-19. This change is attributed to his dedicated approach to both training and nutrition.

According to reports, Dončić is engaging in intense training sessions that combine weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice while in Croatia. His diet has also undergone a transformation, adhering to a gluten-free, low-sugar regimen that includes a substantial protein intake and a daily almond milk shake. These lifestyle changes have yielded visible results just months after an abbreviated first season with the Lakers, concluding in April. If Dončić maintains this level of fitness through EuroBasket, representing Slovenia, and into the 2025-26 NBA season, he may finally secure his first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a goal that has evaded him thus far.

Historically, box plus/minus (BPM), a metric used to assess a player's overall contribution to their team, has indicated Dončić’s elite status; he has achieved a BPM over 8.0—considered an MVP-caliber metric—in four of his seven NBA seasons. His career-high BPM of 9.9 recorded in the 2023-24 season stands out, even as he has never ranked higher than third in MVP voting. The competitive landscape, particularly with contemporaries like Nikola Jokić, has influenced his MVP opportunities, compounded by concerns regarding his fitness, which contributed to the Dallas Mavericks' decision to part ways with him. The Mavericks' overt commentary on Dončić's physical state could backfire, particularly if he returns to the court demonstrating explosive athleticism combined with the refined skills he has honed throughout his career, potentially marking the beginning of a transformative season for Dončić.

During the 2023-24 season, when he achieved his peak BPM, Dončić recorded impressive averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 4.1 three-pointers made, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 57.3% on two-point attempts and 38.2% from beyond the arc. His postseason contributions were equally remarkable, averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at just 24 years old. Despite these achievements, injuries hampered his performance in the 2024-25 season, and February's unexpected trade that saw him leave Dallas for Los Angeles raised eyebrows across the league.

This trade, characterized by its surprise factor and the exchange of a premier offensive talent for an aging Anthony Davis and a draft pick, sparked debate about the Mavericks' future direction. While the Mavericks' management framed the deal as a strategic move to enhance their defensive capabilities, the underlying outcome may serve to galvanize Dončić, reigniting his drive to showcase his exceptional talent. Consistently averaging 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game since the 2019-20 season speaks volumes about his skill level, although achieving MVP recognition often necessitates overcoming obstacles. Historical parallels reveal that many renowned players, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James, faced challenges that ultimately propelled them to greatness. With the trials Dončić has faced in recent times, including a Finals defeat and the significant trade, these hardships could forge him into a player capable of finally attaining that coveted MVP title.