When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the stunning trade for Luka Dončić on February 2, it sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. Initial reactions were met with skepticism; many thought it was simply a false report. But once confirmation arrived, the basketball world was left to grapple with a jaw-dropping question: why did the Dallas Mavericks decide to move on from their megastar?
Just eight months prior, Dončić had showcased his brilliance, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. While he was nursing a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day, there seemed to be no signs of discord leading to the trade. In fact, Dončić’s emotional response—reportedly breaking his phone upon hearing the news—suggested he had no intention of leaving the only NBA team he had ever known.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison soon addressed the media, emphasizing that “defense wins championships.” This remark pointedly highlighted concerns over Dončić’s defensive effort, hinting at a broader dissatisfaction. Harrison lauded Anthony Davis, the player the Mavs received in the trade, as a better fit for their team’s culture. As details began to emerge, they painted a picture of a franchise frustrated with Dončić’s conditioning. Reports discussed his lifestyle choices, including a penchant for enjoying beer and smoking hookah, which seemed to irk Harrison and raised questions about his dedication.
In the aftermath of the trade, Dončić’s conditioning became a hot topic. As the Lakers struggled through the playoffs, some echoed Harrison’s critique, believing improved fitness was essential for Dončić to achieve his full potential. However, others felt this negative attention might serve as motivation for the superstar guard, pushing him to return even stronger—an assumption gaining traction as we enter a new season.
In a revealing interview with Men’s Health, Dončić shared insights into his transformative summer regimen. He discussed adopting a gluten-free, low-sugar diet and committing to working out twice a day, which he claims has made him feel “more rested” than he has in years. “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” he remarked, hinting at a physical change that catches the eyes of fans and analysts alike.
Online speculation suggests Dončić appears leaner than in past seasons. For Mavericks supporters, such a sight isn’t entirely unfamiliar; Dončić regularly drops weight in the offseason only to bulk up again before tip-off. However, this summer seems distinct, motivated by the upheaval he faced after being dealt away from the franchise he had dedicated himself to.
After a season marked by career-low scoring averages and limited potential due to injuries, coupled with the jarring experience of being traded, it appears all this turmoil has ignited a fire within him. Dončić reflected on his dedication to improving: “So every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.”
Facing consistent feedback about his conditioning throughout his career likely became a turning point for Dončić. His commitment to change is commendable, and given that he’s already had a Hall of Fame-caliber career while not fully embracing his health, it’s a concern that should send jitters through the rest of the league.
Dončić will showcase his newfound form with the Slovenian national team at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament starting on August 27. Yet, the real test will arrive when the NBA season kicks off. As he stated, “This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.” With such a determined mindset, it’s clear that Dončić is poised to make an impact that could reshape expectations for himself and the Mavericks moving forward.
