A veteran NBA scout believes Luka Doncic could dominate the 2025–26 season.
Speaking to DallasHoopsJournal.com, the scout said the Los Angeles Lakers guard looks sharper than ever. “Man, he looks incredible. He’s quicker and more explosive. He’s getting by people more easily. I think he’s on a mission, man. I think he’s gonna win MVP and the scoring title next season. He wants to get revenge on Dallas for basically fat-shaming him.”
Doncic, 26, arrives at this point after a rigorous summer overhaul. He trained in Croatia under long-time trainer Anze Macek and physiotherapist Javier Barrio, focusing on strength, agility, and eccentric force to improve his deceleration skills.
His offseason featured a gluten-free, low-sugar diet and intermittent fasting, with around 250 grams of protein daily. Mornings began with a 90-minute fasted workout before his first meal, part of a program designed for both longevity and peak performance.
After the Lakers’ 2024–25 season ended in disappointment, Doncic quickly underwent a full-body assessment in Madrid. Blood work, movement analysis, and force plate testing shaped a training plan tailored to his needs.
He also stepped away from basketball entirely for a month in May, focusing instead on low-impact sports like pickleball and padel to maintain lateral movement without stressing his joints. The goal was to return stronger and more explosive while staying healthy.
In an interview with Men’s Health, Doncic said, “Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” adding that the shift in approach “motivated me to be even better.”
The five-time All-Star credits his inspiration to legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki, who maintained peak performance through intense offseason work.
Barrio emphasized that Doncic’s low center of gravity and strength still make him difficult to move on the court, even with a leaner frame. Doncic himself pointed out that athleticism goes beyond vertical jumping, citing balance and control as keys to his game.
His preparation ended with advanced on-court drills targeting deceleration and lateral agility. Doncic believes the work will translate to improved playmaking and scoring efficiency once the season begins.
Before joining the Lakers for training camp, Doncic is representing Slovenia and is getting ready for EuroBasket 2025, where his upgraded conditioning will be on display.
