Luka Doncic: Los Angeles Lakers superstar slims down for 2025 season

A new-look Luka Doncic will return to pre-season training with the Los Angeles Lakers after spending the summer working on a rigorous fitness regime in Croatia.

Despite being one of the leading lights in the NBA since debuting in 2018, the 26-year-old has faced regular jibes over his physique and lack of conditioning.

It was even cited as a reason for an injury-plagued 2024-25 season that saw Doncic play a career-low 50 games either side of a blockbuster mid-season trade to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks.

Los Angeles were eliminated from the post-season in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves with Doncic reportedly contacting his manager the day after to inform her of his desire to return to Europe and improve his fitness.

My whole body looks better – Doncic

The results have been remarkable with Doncic looking visibly leaner in a series of photos published alongside a lengthy interview in Men’s Health Magazine.

Doncic said: “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better.”

The Slovenian was prevented from playing basketball for a month and instead was subjected to lengthy gym work as well as a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes intermittent fasting and high levels of protein – at least 250 grams per day.

“Every summer I try my best to work on different things,” he added to Men’s Health. “Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.

“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.”

Different type of court for Doncic this summer

He has also enjoyed playing other sports such as pickleball and padel.

He said: “At the beginning, it was hard. I can’t be without basketball. But when I was a little kid, I played a lot of sports.

“There were a lot of angry moments, too, when we would lose. But I didn’t lose much.”

Doncic will hope to make a significant contribution to the Lakers this season.

He has two years left on his contract, including a player option for 2026-27.

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