Los Angeles Lakers fans were extremely excited when they learned that Luka Dončić would be joining the Lakers after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. The trade sent all-star Anthony Davis to Dallas in return.
However, the playoffs did not go as intended for the third-seeded Lakers and their fans. They would lose in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Many people would go on to talk about Dončić‘s conditioning and poor play on the defensive side of the ball as big factors in the Lakers’ disappointing end to the season.
Recently, video was released of Dončić attending a Real Madrid game with the Slovenian guard looking very different than he did at any point during the 2024-25 NBA season, and it has Lakers fans excited again for the 5-time All-Star.
Fans React to New Luka Dončić Video, New Physique
NBA fans were abuzz this past week as a video dropped of Dončić cheering on his former club Real Madrid, with Dončić looking to be in significantly better shape and in a better physique than ever before.
“Luka has seemingly lost 20-30lbs already this offseason, and is looking in great shape,” a fan posted.
Luka has seemingly lost 20-30lbs already this offseason, and is looking in great shape 👀 pic.twitter.com/pDtAnOjyeb
— Jake (@playoffjake)
“Oh man MVP soon” another fan reacted
Oh man mvp soon
— ⋆☾ (@jayzwrld)
“Laker fans looking at skinny Luka” one fan said
Laker fans looking at skinny Luka: pic.twitter.com/sxZmuGZchr
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA)
“MVP season loading…” another fan stated
MVP season loading… https://t.co/OeEVH54Eke
— REG from 52nd (@REGthe8thHokage)
“Slim Luka at the Real Madrid game we’re so back” a fan shared
Slim Luka at the Real Madrid game we’re so back. pic.twitter.com/GASsg31Brm
— Showtime Luka (@showtimeluka)
Last season, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, along with 1.6 steals for both the Lakers and Mavericks combined. Dončićc played 50 games as he dealt with injuries and the blockbuster trade to send him to Los Angeles. Last season was the first time in Dončić’s career that he played under 60 games. He also was not an all-star and did not make the All-NBA First team for the first time since his rookie season in 2018-19.
While it was not a terrible season, it was not one that was up to Dončić’s usual standard, especially after leading his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, to the NBA finals the year prior. After those finals, the same concerns showed as the Boston Celtics took advantage of Dončić’s lackluster play on defense by targeting him every time down the floor.
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With Dončić’s skillset and touch on the offensive side of the ball, if he can manage to become a sound defender, it will take the Lakers to the next level. In addition, if he can manage to stay in game shape for the entire season and playoffs, the sky is the limit for Dončić and the Lakers.