For years, Luka Dončić’s brilliance on the court was often overshadowed by the chatter surrounding his conditioning. Critics couldn’t resist taking shots at his physique, even as he racked up accolades and established himself as one of the NBA’s elite talents.
But now, after a stunning transformation that has fans and the NBA world buzzing, one of Dončić’s former coaches is firing back at those who doubted the Lakers star’s work ethic.
How Is Marko Milić Defending Luka Dončić Against Past Criticism?
Marko Milić, a Slovenian basketball legend and former Mavericks assistant coach, has spoken publicly for the first time since leaving Dallas following Dončić’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. The coach, who shares a close bond with Dončić, didn’t hold back when asked about the star’s much-discussed weight loss and past criticism.
“Surely, now that he looks like a model, they’ll find something else to say (laughs),” Milić told Siol, making it clear he believes Dončić was always unfairly scrutinized.
Now that Luka Doncic has slimmed down, former Mavericks assistant coach Marko Milic joked that the critics will just come up with a new narrative 🗣️
Read more: https://t.co/FFmTTlF0n2 pic.twitter.com/gSkLC5hQO1
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 5, 2025
The emotional connection between the two goes beyond basketball. Milić admitted that Dončić’s February trade from Dallas hit him hard, calling his own departure from the Mavericks shortly afterward a decision fueled by personal ties. “Even though it’s a job, in the end, you’re still emotional,” he said.
Though they’re no longer linked through the same team, the friendship between coach and player remains strong. “Luka and I are in constant contact,” Milić shared. “He always enjoys playing for the national team, so after all these tough seasons, we can be happy to have a player like him.”
Now back in Slovenia, Milić has taken on a new role with the national basketball federation, focusing on developing the next generation of talent. However, his respect and support for Dončić remain unwavering.
How Is Dončić’s Transformation Powering His Fresh Start in Los Angeles?
The talk around Dončić this summer hasn’t just been about his move to Los Angeles. It’s about his remarkable physical transformation that’s caught everyone’s attention. Gracing the cover of Men’s Health, Dončić showed off a noticeably leaner physique after committing to a stricter approach to fitness.
Our digital cover star, Luka Doncic, ready to take his game (and the Lakers) to new levels of dominance. And this summer shred has been years in the making.https://t.co/aB19DY7rrL pic.twitter.com/bjVsf1ampI
— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) July 28, 2025
According to reports, the 26-year-old superstar has adopted intermittent fasting, a high-protein diet, and gone entirely gluten-free. His summer training plan was so intense that it included a full month without touching a basketball, focusing solely on conditioning and strength work.
The transformation comes after years of speculation that his weight and fitness were a problem for the Mavericks, even during his incredible run to the 2024 NBA Finals and multiple All-NBA First Team honors. Ultimately, tensions over training habits were among the reasons Dallas made the shocking decision to trade their franchise cornerstone to the Lakers earlier this year.
Can’t believe we really get Luka Doncic hoops back in 3 days 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jL8hXWWSWw
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 5, 2025
Dončić, however, insists that the outside noise wasn’t what drove him to change. “Honestly, I tried to not read much,” he said during a recent appearance on The Today Show. “I think I was still a pretty good basketball player back then, no matter what people say. I think it was a next step in my career. At the end, I’m still 26 and I got a long way to go.”
Now entering a new chapter in Los Angeles, Dončić has inked a $165 million three-year extension with the Lakers, with projections for a potential $417 million deal in 2028. As LeBron James nears the final stages of his legendary career, the Lakers are already building their future around Dončić, a player who has silenced critics both on the court and now, with his transformation, off it too.
