LeBron James recently lauded Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation on the Mind the Game podcast. James highlighted not only Doncic’s improved quickness but also his enhanced recovery between games.
“It’s not like Luka’s game is going to change… But I think for him personally, he’s going to see how he wakes up the next day after three and four nights,” James said, via HoopsHype. “I’m super duper proud of him.”
Doncic, 26, entered the 2025–26 season with a noticeably leaner frame after an intensive summer focused on longevity, strength, and agility. He trained in Croatia with longtime trainer Anze Macek and physiotherapist Javier Barrio, emphasizing eccentric force and deceleration for his signature drives.
The Lakers star adhered to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet paired with intermittent fasting, consuming roughly 250 grams of protein daily. His mornings began with 90-minute fasted workouts before his first meal, prioritizing both physical development and joint health.
Doncic also incorporated non-basketball activities like pickleball and padel to improve lateral movement while reducing wear on his knees and ankles. “This summer was just a little bit different… It kind of motivated me to be even better,” he told Men’s Health.
The guard’s transformation was evident at EuroBasket 2025, where he led the tournament in scoring with 34.7 points per game. Slovenian assistant coach Greg St. Jean praised Doncic as the team’s top defensive player, noting his positioning, communication, and effort on each possession.
Doncic’s focus on strength, conditioning, and recovery builds on lessons from legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki. His new frame and training regimen are designed to enhance durability and performance over a long NBA season.
Since joining the Lakers in February, Doncic has produced historic numbers, including a 30-point, 15-assist game alongside LeBron James. Despite a first-round playoff exit, his performance reaffirmed his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.
James’ praise underscores the Lakers’ investment in Doncic’s development. With a stronger, more resilient body, Doncic is expected to maintain his elite production while reducing the physical toll of the NBA season.
