Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić recently showcased his slimmer physique in the latest issue of Men's Health. The profile, authored by Andrew Heffernan and Ebenezer Samuel, provided insights into Dončić's workout and dietary regimen during his summer in Croatia. The magazine highlighted his commitment to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, which emphasizes high protein intake, including a daily consumption of at least 250 grams of protein and an almond milk-based shake. The authors noted that Dončić has developed a fitness team over several years to enhance his natural athletic abilities.

Following a disappointing end to the Lakers' season after their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić expressed a renewed focus on his fitness. He communicated to his manager his desire to prioritize training during the offseason. 'Every summer I try my best to work on different things,' he stated. 'Clearly, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.' This mindset led to a greater emphasis on weight training initially, gradually incorporating basketball drills into his routine by June.

Since entering the league in 2018, Dončić's physical attributes have been a topic of discussion regarding his overall game. Critics, including Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, noted concerns about his explosiveness and lateral foot speed prior to the draft. However, Dončić swiftly dispelled these concerns by winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning first-team All-NBA honors in his second season. Despite his impressive accolades, discussions surrounding his conditioning have persisted, particularly following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dallas Mavericks had previously exhibited worries about his long-term durability, especially as Dončić has struggled with minor injuries, having only surpassed 70 games in two seasons. With the trade, concerns heightened, prompting speculation about whether this change could serve as motivation for Dončić to elevate his performance even further.