Recently, a Men's Health magazine article was published about Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and featured pictures of the Slovenian sensation appearing to be in arguably the best shape of his NBA career. Weight and conditioning concerns have long been an issue for Doncic, some of which were to blame for his shocking trade from the Dallas Mavericks, but in the new photos, the star appeared slimmer than ever.

Some wondered whether Doncic has taken it upon himself to transform his body this summer in response to the Mavericks trade.

However, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic, this is not the case.

“Some sources in Dončić’s inner circle believed he was on the path toward this kind of physical transformation whether or not Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had bet against him,” reported Woike.

“…the belief among Dončić’s team was, to some degree, that as he matured as an NBA professional, he’d adopt some better habits and completely buy into a stricter strength and conditioning program instead of the more competition-driven approach he’d been comfortable with,” he added.

A new Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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Luka Doncic didn't do a ton to shed the image of being out of shape during his stint with the Lakers to close out last season. Doncic consistently ran out of gas at the end of games in Los Angeles' first round playoff loss vs the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he was more or less a turnstile on the defensive end of the floor for the Lakers.

However, if the new images are indeed evidence that Doncic has improved his conditioning, a whole new level could be unlocked for the perennial MVP candidate, which would be great news for the Lakers.

Los Angeles didn't have a ton of flexibility this offseason, having to make some signings along the margins in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to try to shore up their depth.

However, if Doncic indeed comes into training camp in the best shape of his life, the Lakers could be real threats in the crowded Western Conference.

Los Angeles' schedule is set to be released in August.

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