After revealing his dramatic offseason transformation, expectations are rising for superstar guard Luka Dončić’s first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers. FS1’s Nick Wright foresees the slimmed-down five-time All-Star reaching unprecedented heights in Year 8.
Upon being traded by the Dallas Mavericks in early February, Dončić’s physical conditioning became a major storyline. His purported lack of discipline reportedly factored into the franchise’s surprising decision to move on from him. However, the Slovenian megastar prioritized his health following LA’s underwhelming five-game first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On Monday, Dončić graced the latest cover of Men’s Health magazine, showcasing his new look, the result of a high-protein, low-sugar, and gluten-free diet, intermittent fasting, and intense two-a-day workouts. His viral physical overhaul has fueled optimism that he could be in store for a head-turning revenge campaign.
Why Does Nick Wright Predict Toned Luka Dončić Will Seize His First MVP?
While Luka Dončić has been a trendy preseason MVP pick over the past few years, he has not placed higher than third in the NBA’s preeminent award race. That said, Wright envisions the trimmed-down 2024 scoring champion getting over the hump during the 2025-26 campaign.
“Luka, in non-tip-top physical condition, was already well on his way to being one of the greatest players ever. Luka, like this, should be the early favorite for league MVP,” Wright said during Tuesday’s episode of “What’s Wright? With Nick Wright.”
Damn man Nico Harrison really created a monster. Luka Doncic went from fat to the cover of Men’s Health magazine 😭 pic.twitter.com/aNDkuPa4nn
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 28, 2025
Wright cited Dončić’s previous offensive dominance despite navigating weight struggles and how his increased focus on weight training could further elevate his status as an all-time great.
“12 months ago, before Luka got hurt, before Luka got traded, when Luka was coming off a finals appearance, nobody thought Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] or Anthony Edwards was better than him. Now, I think it’s like conventional wisdom,” Wright said.
“… Now, he did have a down year; he was a little out of shape. This is where I am contractually obligated to remind the audience, without ever being in peak physical condition, Luka Dončić, already, has made more first team All-NBAs than either Steph Curry or Chris Paul, and only has one less than Kevin freaking Durant.
“But his training has always just included hooping. Plays ball and does drills. Weight training was never a big part of it. Right now, he would be my early-season pick to win league MVP next year.”
“Luka in non-tip top physical condition was already well on his way to being one of the greatest players… Luka like this should be the early favorite for league MVP.”@getnickwright thinks Luka Doncic 2.0 is on pace for a monster season pic.twitter.com/O8no3oy53A
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) July 30, 2025
Across 28 outings with the Lakers this past season, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.6 3-pointers per game, shooting 43.8%. With his improved physique, he may be poised to rival or surpass his career-best 2023-24 campaign with Dallas, during which he averaged a league-high 33.9 ppg.
Dončić could also make considerable strides defensively, allowing LA to build on its third-place Western Conference finish (50-32) and return to title contention.
