This offseason, Luka Dončić set a new standard for personal reinvention among NBA stars. Shortly after a disappointing playoff exit and a blockbuster trade that sent him from Dallas to Los Angeles, Dončić quietly embraced a grueling new regimen that has left the basketball world talking about more than just his on-court wizardry.

Under the supervision of his dedicated team—trainer Anže Macek, physiotherapist Javier Barrio, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros—Dončić committed to twice-daily, 90-minute sessions featuring weightlifting, resistance band agility, and shooting drills.

Crucially, he adopted a strict gluten-free, low-sugar diet combined with intermittent fasting: he eats his first meal after an early workout, fasting for 16 hours each day, a routine designed to reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery.

These changes amounted to a full lifestyle overhaul. “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” Dončić told Men’s Health. Holding his first workout at the tail-end of a fasted window wasn’t easy, but the results speak for themselves: slimmer, stronger, and more athletic, Dončić arrives at Lakers camp with heightened bounce and renewed stamina.

Beyond the gym, Dončić’s training stretched to other sports such as pickleball and padel, and—perhaps most challenging of all—he took a full month away from basketball for recovery, something he described as emotionally tough.

Motivation and Fresh Start: A Response to Critics

During a recent interview at a Yankees game, Dončić spelled out the core motivation for his transformation: “I just think I needed a fresh start after everything that happened,” he said. Reports indicated frustration within the Mavericks organization about his physical discipline, further fueled by rumors that his weight (tipping up to 270 pounds) contributed to past injuries.

Traded to the Lakers with public questions swirling about his conditioning, Dončić took the narrative personally. He wasted no time after the Lakers’ playoff loss, reaching out to his team immediately to jumpstart his training program. “This summer was just a little bit different… it kind of motivated me to be even better,” Dončić admitted, signaling a shift not only in routine but in mindset.

 “If I stop now, it was all for nothing,” Dončić reflected, echoing legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

What’s Next: The Impact on the Court

The payoff for Dončić’s transformation is about more than optics or preseason narratives. With a leaner frame, new agility, and a fortified work ethic, he’s set to take the Lakers’ lead alongside a rejuvenated roster in 2025-26.

No longer just a generational talent, Dončić faces this new chapter as a leader who’s proven he can change and is determined to silence any remaining doubters.