Luka Doncic is looking leaner and meaner this summer, and the world is taking notice. When the Slovenian superstar got traded in February, many speculated his lack of conditioning to be one of the reasons Nico Harrison decided to part ways. Instead of beating himself up, Luka took the criticism as a challenge and headed straight to the lab once the Lakers’ season ended. And his amazing physical transformation was highlighted as he featured on the cover of Men’s Health. But the weight loss journey wasn’t easy!
Turns out, Luka had to completely change his approach to achieve his goal. The biggest challenge? Ditching basketball for a month. He detailed his struggles in a recent interview at the Yankees game, “Yeah, I was basically in the gym, you know, lifting and then playing other sports. At first, it was very tough to leave basketball behind.” For an athlete who has spent majority of his life on the hardwood, it wasn’t easy to let go of his beloved sport.
However, things got easier with each passing day, “After one week, I was okay. So, I was mostly playing padel or tennis. So, those two sports.” Not only did this new regime test Doncic physically but also emotionally. But eventually, it was all worth it. “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better.” Luka told Men’s Health.
Luka Dončić discussed playing for the Lakers, his love for sports and more as he continued his conversation with @RealMichaelKay and @dcone36. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/XPHLOF8Iau
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 29, 2025
Having lost significant weight, he is now looking like the Luka of his EuroLeague and early NBA days, when he could throw down nasty slams and produce tirelessly on both ends. Major credit also goes to his gluten-free, low sugar diet that included dedicated intermittent fasting and consuming a daily dose of at least 250 grams of protein.
(Developing Story)
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