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Austin Rivers claims Dallas Mavericks’ new star inspired Luka Doncic’s LA Lakers’ revenge body

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Austin Rivers believes Luka Doncic’s new physique is down to the new face of the Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic has had quite an important summer, as the Los Angeles Lakers star prepares for life in Tinseltown for years to come.

The Slovenian superstar made it his mission to help his team improve their roster. Doncic actively recruited Marcus Smart to the Lakers.

On top of that, he secured his own future with the side, as Doncic re-signed for $165 million with the Lakers, ensuring that he will be with the team for the next three years.

But most notably, Doncic unveiled a brand new physique, which stunned Lakers fans, as they raved about his commitment to his conditioning.

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Austin Rivers says Luka Doncic motivated by Dallas Mavericks landing Cooper Flagg

Austin Rivers spoke on his Off Guard podcast recently and discussed Luka Doncic getting into the best shape of his career this offseason.

The LA Lakers’ star, according to Rivers, was fueled to improve his conditioning after seeing his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, landed Cooper Flagg, guaranteeing them a successor to Doncic.

“I’m gonna go be the MVP of the NBA now and make these guys look stupid, because on the other side, Dallas is building a hell of a roster. And I know he’s a man that is competitive.

“I know he sees that. He’s like, ‘F—‘. I know when they got Cooper, he’s like, ‘F—. The last thing I want to happen to that team and Nico after they traded me.’

“They got a hell of a squad building over there, too. If Kyrie was healthy, they’d be on the lookout for something, some hardware.”

Luka Doncic focused on himself in the transformation process

However, Luka Doncic denied any external factors motivating him, admitting that he wanted to develop into the best version of himself.

Clearly, the conjecture of him trying to improve his physique to prove a point is overblown, at least according to Doncic himself.

Truth be told, Lakers fans aren’t going to be too concerned with what motivated Luka to get in shape. They’re far more concerned with the positive end result that they can benefit from.

If Doncic’s physique is a sign of the level he will play at next season for the Lakers, it’s hard to look past him as an MVP candidate.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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