Luka Doncic appears to be entering the 2026-27 NBA season in noticeably better physical condition, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon.
Speaking on The Hoop Collective, Windhorst reported that Doncic “might be in better shape this year than he was last year,” while MacMahon offered a comparison to the Slovenian star’s early NBA years.
“I do think Luka’s as lean as he’s been since his rookie year,” MacMahon said. “Luka, I think, was listed 218 his rookie year, probably was legitimately like 230-ish, and he looks like he’s in about that range now.”
Doncic entered the NBA in 2018 and immediately established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive players, winning Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 72 games for the Dallas Mavericks.
His production increased rapidly, and he has since become a five-time All-NBA first-team selection. Last season marked his first full campaign with the Lakers after arriving from Dallas during the 2024-25 season.
Doncic averaged a career-high 33.5 points per game in 64 appearances for Los Angeles in 2025-26, along with 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. He earned All-NBA first-team honors and finished fourth in MVP voting.
The 2026-27 season will represent a significant transition for Los Angeles. LeBron James departed after eight seasons with the franchise to join the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Doncic as the clear centerpiece of the Lakers’ roster.
Los Angeles responded by acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade and signing him to a four-year, $129.5 million contract. Austin Reaves also received a four-year, $180 million extension, while the Lakers added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and other pieces around Doncic.
