The Slovenian sensation Luka Dončić is turning heads again, but not for one of his highlight-reel passes. The Lakers superstar’s new, leaner look has taken the NBA world by storm after recent pictures showed him noticeably slimmer while visiting Madrid.
With the 2025-26 season still months away, his early offseason transformation is already raising eyebrows. But while some believe it could mean better defense, one NBA veteran isn’t buying into the hype and delivered a brutally honest take.
Marcus Morris Sr. Questions Luka Dončić’s Defense Despite Slimmer Physique
Dončić has often drawn criticism for his lack of defensive effort, especially during his final seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Though undeniably talented on offense, he’s long been labeled a liability on the other end.
After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster move four months ago, some believed it was time for a shift, especially with Dončić now shedding weight and appearing more committed.
But Marcus Morris Sr., an NBA veteran, had a firm message for anyone expecting a defensive breakout. Speaking with Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, he said:
“Oh, hell yeah. Like Luka, let me tell you this. Just from playing against Luka, like he’s never — no matter how much weight he lose or, or like, which y’all might say, skinny Luka or whatever — he’s not going to play defense. Like that’s just not what gonna happen,” Morris said in an appearance on Yahoo Sports’ YouTube show with Vincent Goodwill.
Morris dropped more insights, adding:
“That’s not in everybody, right? Like, he might try a little bit more. But are we really asking this dude to be a two-way player? Like, come on, man. Like he’s not,” Morris added. “He’s scoring with weight, without weight, no matter how you do it. Like he went to the championship last year looking the same exact way.”
Morris’ comments were blunt, but they tap into a bigger conversation. Even with visible progress in Dončić’s conditioning, can fans and coaches realistically expect him to flip the switch defensively overnight?
Photos and videos shared by fans, including a viral clip from the Luka Updates account, show a much slimmer Dončić during his time in Spain. Given the Lakers’ season ended in April, this quick physical shift has come surprisingly early in the offseason.
Dončić’s defense was a concern during the Lakers’ first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he averaged one steal and just 0.6 blocks per game. He was targeted by quicker guards, particularly in one-on-one matchups, and his conditioning again came into question.
Back in February, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison hinted that Dončić’s conditioning played a part in the franchise’s decision to move on. The trade came as a shock to the league, but insiders pointed to long-standing concerns about his work ethic and ability to anchor both ends of the floor.
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The transformation now suggests Dončić is listening. And while his offensive production has never been an issue, slimming down could help him stay more engaged on defense, even if Morris believes otherwise.
Dončić has three more months before the training camp begins. Whether this new version of him translates into better defense or simply more efficient offense, the Lakers fans must be hoping that this will be the start of a new chapter.