Lakers React to Luka Doncic’s Massive Change In Physical Appearance

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic was mocked incessantly about his weight last season, so the 26-year-old superstar took matters into his own hand this offseason, going to great lengths to silence the body shaming.

Multiple reports indicated that Doncic weighed as much as 270 pounds while he was with the Dallas Mavericks, who reportedly traded him to the Lakers in exchange for 11-time All-Star Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick because of concerns over his conditioning, or lack thereof, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“There had been significant frustration within the organization about Doncic's lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning, which team sources considered a major factor in his injury issues,” McMenamin reported. “Though Doncic was relatively lean by his standards when he reported to camp, his weight ballooned to the high 260s early this season, sources said.”

While Doncic’s weight didn’t seem to be the issue it was in Dallas after the trade — he averaged 28.2 points, 81. Rebounds, 7.5 assists per game in L.A. and was often the Lakers’ best player most nights — the star point guard decided the day after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves that he didn’t want to give anyone a reason to mock his physical appearance the following season.

According to Men’s Health, Doncic, who graced the recent cover of the magazine, texted his agent the very next day to get started on his offseason conditioning program.

In the months since the Lakers’ playoff ouster, Doncic had shed some serious weight thanks to an improved workout routine and strict diet. Doncic’s physical transformation was being applauded on social media, and the Lakers celebrated their star’s hard work.

“Locked in - Luka has been putting in the work all offseason ,” the Lakers wrote on X.