As August approaches, the NBA enters a phase known informally as 'muscle watch' season, which has garnered increased attention this year due to Luka Dončić's impressive physical transformation. With contributions from Men's Health, the spotlight on Dončić's physique has intensified following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. In recent weeks, he has emerged looking as fit as he has been in years, reminiscent of his rookie season in 2018-19. His newfound fitness is the result of a dedicated combination of workouts and a disciplined diet.

According to the profile, Dončić has been committing to twice-daily workouts that incorporate weight training, agility exercises, and shooting drills while in Croatia. He has also maintained a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes a substantial protein intake of at least 250 grams per day, complemented by an almond milk-based shake. The effects of this regimen are evident, particularly as Dončić prepares for EuroBasket, where he will represent Slovenia, and looks ahead to the 2025-26 NBA season. If he can sustain this level of conditioning, he may have a strong chance at finally obtaining the elusive MVP award.

In the previous season, Luka recorded a box plus/minus (BPM) of 9.9, indicating a significant impact on his team's performance when on the court, a mark he achieved over four of his seven seasons in the NBA. His career high of 9.9 BPM during the 2023-24 season saw him averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds, all while shooting impressive percentages from the field. Despite this, Dončić has yet to place higher than third in MVP voting, partly due to the presence of contemporaneous stars like Nikola Jokić. Furthermore, concerns regarding his physical condition contributed to the Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade him after a disappointing season, where injuries limited his participation.

The Mavs' organization made a surprising trade that involved sending Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, along with a level of draft compensation. This move was framed as part of a strategy to strengthen their defense, but it may have inadvertently served as motivation for Dončić to demonstrate his true potential. Athletes of Dončić's caliber do not reach their level of success without immense skill, as evidenced by his averages of 30.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over six seasons. Yet, success in terms of MVP awards or championship titles often requires overcoming adversity. The journey of Dončić, characterized by his recent Finals appearance against Boston, the surprising trade to Los Angeles, and the Dallas organization’s dealings, may ultimately catalyze his evolution into a player capable of winning his first MVP award.