As August approaches, the NBA enters a crucial period often referred to as 'muscle watch' season. Recently, Luka Dončić participated in this discourse, generating significant attention through a profile in Men's Health. Following sustained critiques regarding his physique after his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears to have made a remarkable transformation, presenting a leaner physique reminiscent of his rookie season in 2018-19. His dedication to rigorous workouts and a structured diet stands out, indicating a serious commitment to improving his performance on the court.

The profile reveals that Dončić has been engaging in two-a-day workout sessions in Croatia, incorporating weightlifting, agility drills, and shooting practice. He has also adhered to a diet that excludes gluten and is low in sugar, while ensuring an intake of at least 250 grams of protein, complemented by daily shakes made from almond milk. The evident results come just months after the conclusion of his abbreviated season with the Lakers in April, raising hopes that this revitalized version of Luka could lead him to his first MVP award if he maintains this momentum through EuroBasket and into the 2025-26 NBA campaign.

Statistical assessments further support Dončić's potential for an MVP-worthy season. The box plus/minus metric, which estimates a player's contribution to their team while on the court, indicates that a BPM over 8.0 reflects an MVP-caliber performance. Dončić has surpassed this benchmark in four of his seven NBA seasons, achieving a career-high BPM of 9.9 during the 2023-24 season. Despite these impressive statistics, he has yet to secure a higher finish than third in MVP voting, partially overshadowed by the concurrent brilliance of fellow player Nikola Jokić. The Dallas Mavericks' recent decision to trade Dončić, citing concerns over his fitness, may serve as motivation for him to showcase his talent and reclaim his status as a premier player. Should he return to the NBA with renewed explosiveness while retaining his evolved skill set, it could signal the dawn of one of his most dominant seasons to date. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 33.9 points per game, alongside nearly 10 assists and rebounds, demonstrating his multifaceted game. Furthermore, his postseason performance saw averages of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at just 24 years old. While injuries impacted his play in the 2024-25 season, the nature of the Mavericks' shocking trade prior to this could catalyze an extraordinary comeback for Dončić, establishing him as a formidable contender for the MVP award.