The Dallas Mavericks shocked the world when they decided to trade away Luka Dončić. It came just one season after he led them to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. But the Mavericks were clearly a better team with the Slovenian superstar.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison made a huge gamble and chose to acquire Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. They also sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers as part of the deal. Harrison and the Mavericks claimed that the goal was to prioritize defense in a desperate attempt to win an NBA championship.
The move angered many, including Dallas fans who even got down in the streets to protest against Harrison and Co. As per rumors, a massive twist in the drama was that Harrison was reportedly concerned about Dončić’s weight. Now, he is responding to that claim.
Luka Dončić Undergoes Huge Physical Transformation in the Offseason
As per NBA insider Dan Woike on “The Dunk Central,” the Lakers’ guard has undergone a major physical transformation this summer. “Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason,” Woike wrote. “He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan.”
Luka Dončić has reportedly lost a significant amount of weight this offseason and committed to a strict diet, per @DanWoikeSports
“Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio… pic.twitter.com/SxtresboAl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2025
In a shift from his normal offseason, Dončić spent a month away from on-court work to focus more on his body. “Dončić has looked visibly slimmer in photos and is now back working out with Slovenia, getting ready for EuroBasket competition later this summer,” Woike added.
ESPN NBA’s Tim McMahon reported earlier this year that the Mavericks allowed Dončić some time off to shed weight after a “sluggish” start. This was a clear indication that the Mavericks were not happy with Dončić’s conditioning. It was an issue for a while before the trade.
But it looks like Dončić has answered critics in style after losing some weight. He is said to be still working hard to come back for the 2025-26 season. He is expected to play again alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves once again as L.A. looks to contend for the title after missing out this year.
