As August approaches, the NBA’s off-season captures attention with a focus on player conditioning, commonly referred to as "muscle watch" season. This year, Luka Dončić has taken center stage, spurred by a recent profile in Men's Health that has generated significant discussion. Following comments on his physique since his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears to have undergone a notable transformation, showcasing a leaner figure reminiscent of his early career days, particularly during his rookie season in 2018-19.

Dončić's remarkable physical change can be attributed to a steadfast commitment to both rigorous workouts and a carefully monitored diet. Reports indicate that he has been engaging in intensive two-a-day training sessions in Croatia, encompassing a mix of weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice. Simultaneously, he adheres to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that emphasizes high protein intake, incorporating at least 250 grams of protein along with a daily almond milk-based shake. The visible results of his dedication come just months after a challenging season with the Lakers, culminating in a postseason that ended in April.

If this improved version of Luka Dončić navigates the forthcoming EuroBasket tournament, where he will represent Slovenia, and carries that momentum into the 2025-26 NBA season, he may position himself favorably for his first MVP award. Historically, metrics such as Box Plus/Minus (BPM) have illustrated Dončić's impact on the game, with a score exceeding 8.0 indicative of an MVP-caliber performance. Notably, he achieved a career-high BPM of 9.9 during the 2023-24 season while averaging 33.9 points per game. However, despite this impressive performance, he has yet to finish higher than third in MVP voting, a situation complicated by the presence of contemporaries like Nikola Jokić and a gradual physical decline that has raised concerns about his fitness level. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade him was partly fueled by perceptions regarding his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition, a factor that could prove counter-productive for the organization amidst their aspirations for a successful future.

Should Dončić return to NBA action exhibiting the same explosiveness that characterized his initial seasons—if not an improved version—the prospect of experiencing the most dominant campaign of his career becomes feasible. In the 2023-24 season, alongside that impressive BPM, Dončić averaged 9.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds, 4.1 three-pointers made, 1.4 steals, and 33.9 points per game, while shooting 57.3 percent on two-point attempts and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc. His postseason performance was equally commendable, recording averages of 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists as he propelled the Mavericks to the NBA Finals at just 24 years old.

However, injuries hampered his availability during the 2024-25 season, leading to significant changes in Dallas' approach towards him as a franchise cornerstone. In February, an unprecedented trade sent shockwaves through the league as Dončić was exchanged for Anthony Davis, a player in the twilight of his career struggling with injuries, in addition to one first-round draft pick and promising wing Max Christie. The Mavericks and general manager Nico Harrison framed this as a transaction aimed at immediate contention, emphasizing a shift towards a defense-first strategy. Yet, the likely outcome is that this trade will serve as motivation for Dončić to showcase his extraordinary talent and silenced the critics of his performance.

Achieving Luka Dončić's level of performance is no small feat, with an average of 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across six NBA seasons since the onset of the 2019-20 campaign. Such skill alone does not guarantee accolades or championships; often, it is through adversity that greatness is forged. For iconic players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and LeBron James, challenges and setbacks fueled their paths to success. In Luka's case, the events of the past year—including the Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, the surprising trade to Los Angeles, and the Mavericks' public narrative surrounding that trade—could serve to refine his game and elevate him to his ultimate potential. With this maturation, the opportunity for Dončić to attain his first MVP award looms on the horizon.