Luka Doncic's offseason transformation could change everything for the Los Angeles Lakers after his bold trade move

Luka Doncic has been busy this offseason making changes that many didn’t expect. After facing criticism about his fitness and conditioning, he’s taken a different approach—focusing on diet, cardio, and strength. A recent video of him training has caught attention, and fans are starting to notice the difference. As the new season approaches, all eyes are on what this transformation could mean for the Lakers .

A summer makeover rooted in diet, gritty workouts , and national-pride intensityEver since he arrived in L.A. with that huge deal for Anthony Davis back in February, Doncic has been hit with questions about his fitness—rumored to have hit around 270 lb during the playoffs and looking a bit sluggish in his first game with the Lakers. But the buzz about him being "out-of-shape" is quickly disappearing, thanks to a viral video of Doncic squatting 720 lb, which has got Lakers fans buzzing with excitement and optimism.

Is slim Luka Dončić returning 👀

Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason, writes @DanWoikeSports.

He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from… pic.twitter.com/SsNQnA1xbl

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 24, 2025

In light of growing criticism about his fitness—called “humiliation” by those in the know—Doncic decided to change his approach. Dan Woike from The Athletic shares that the star has lost a notable amount of weight this offseason through a strict diet and cardio training routine. Importantly, he stepped away from the court for an entire month, quietly laying down a foundation for his conditioning before gradually getting back into on-court training with Slovenia as they gear up for EuroBasket.

You can already see the fitness improvements. Candid photos from a Real Madrid game in late May reveal a noticeably slimmer figure, and videos of Doncic powering through a 720-lb squat have sparked discussions on X and Lakers forums, suggesting this isn’t merely a show-off — it’s a real change. TalkSport put it well — this viral workout indicates a "fresh dedication to fitness" and gives fans optimism that the revamped Doncic will start the season "in championship form."

Luka Dončić has reportedly lost a significant amount of weight this offseason and committed to a strict diet, per @DanWoikeSports

“Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio… pic.twitter.com/SxtresboAl

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2025

This revamp goes beyond just a physical change — it’s a result of the major trade back in February. Dallas sent its key player to Los Angeles, mentioning worries about his "endurance and offseason habits". That reaction has definitely hit home — Doncic himself recognized the criticism as a "motive", and insiders say his close ones are applauding his strong offseason work ethic. With EuroBasket coming up in late August, Doncic’s body is being pushed to the limit for both national pride and to lay a solid groundwork for a complete NBA season.

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Luka Doncic has spent his offseason focused on a complete transformation — changing up his diet, adding cardio, hitting the weights hard, and showing his toughness with the national team. It’s still unclear if this disciplined approach will lead to a strong finish for the Lakers, but the early signs are promising.