Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić turned heads earlier this week when his slimmed down, muscular picture graced the duvet of Males’s Well being. The Slovenian has been criticized previously for his conditioning — and a few say a think about why he was dealt in one of many largest trades in league historical past final season.
Dončić, showing Wednesday on “TODAY,” mentioned his group of trainers “tried some new issues” this offseason to enhance his physique and quiet the critics.
“Completely different meals, completely different practices,” he mentioned. “I truly gave up enjoying basketball for one month, which I’ve by no means achieved in my life. So it was form of difficult, nevertheless it was all good.”
Dončić, 26, is definitely one of many high gamers within the NBA. He’s a five-time All-Star, earned rookie of the 12 months honors in 2019 and in 2024 led the league in scoring with 33.9 factors per recreation.
However when he was dealt final February in one of the crucial surprising trades in NBA historical past — a blockbuster that despatched, amongst others, Lakers huge man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks — Dončić’s physique turned a subject of dialog. Based on ESPN, “the Mavs had main considerations about shifting ahead with Luka Dončić resulting from his fixed conditioning points and the looming dedication of one other supermax contract extension this summer time.”
Dončić on Wednesday mentioned he heard the criticism however did his finest to disregard it.
“Truthfully, I attempted to not learn a lot. Simply tried to focus,” he mentioned on “TODAY.” “I feel I used to be nonetheless a reasonably good basketball participant again then, it doesn’t matter what individuals say.”
Dončić went on to common 28.2 factors, 8.1 rebounds and seven.5 assists a recreation with Los Angeles after the deal, however knew extra wanted to be achieved after the group was eradicated within the first spherical of the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He transitioned to a gluten-free, low-sugar eating regimen and two-a-day exercises, fully remodeling his physique forward of subsequent season.
Earlier than opening evening, a significant determination looms: does he signal an extension with the Lakers to stay in L.A. for the foreseeable future? On August 2, Dončić is eligible to signal a brand new four-year deal value $223 million.
When requested about his intention on “TODAY,” he brushed it off.
“I don’t know what you’re speaking about,” he laughed.
