As August approaches, the NBA enters a phase often referred to as 'muscle watch' season, where player physiques come under scrutiny. This year, Luka Dončić has attracted attention with his recent transformation, aided by a profile from Men's Health. After a tumultuous period that included his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić appears to have shed weight and improved his fitness, reminiscent of his early days in the league.

According to the profile, Dončić has adopted a rigorous training regimen that includes two-a-day workouts in Croatia, incorporating weight lifting, agility drills, and shooting practice. He follows a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that is rich in protein, complemented by a daily almond milk shake. The visible results of this commitment come just months after a challenging season, as he prepares to represent Slovenia in EuroBasket before the 2025-26 NBA campaign.

In recent seasons, Dončić has consistently posted impressive statistics, often exceeding a box plus/minus (BPM) of 8.0, a benchmark associated with MVP-worthy performances. His career-high BPM of 9.9 in the 2023-24 season reflects his potential, yet he has yet to finish higher than third in MVP voting, a fact influenced by contemporaries like Nikola Jokić and past fitness concerns. Following the Mavericks' decision to trade him amidst these challenges, there is a sense that this may serve as motivation for Dončić, potentially leading to a season that showcases his full capabilities and could finally secure him the MVP honor.