The highly scrutinized trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks continues to stir conversation, this time over the players’ contrasting physiques leading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
From the outset, Doncic’s move to Los Angeles was met with skepticism, particularly regarding his conditioning and injury history. Many believed Dallas was taking a gamble, letting go of a generational talent with perceived fitness concerns.
However, new images from Lakers training camp have flipped the narrative. Doncic appears leaner, more focused, and in noticeably better shape. Fans and analysts alike are now questioning whether Doncic has finally embraced the physical demands of being a franchise leader, especially in a high-pressure market like Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, now wearing a Mavericks jersey, is facing his own round of physical evaluations. In photos released from Dallas’ preseason workouts, Davis looks bulkier than expected. While some fans interpreted this as muscle gain for improved interior play, others expressed concern that the added size might impact his mobility or exacerbate his long-standing injury issues.
One fan even joked, “He’d better be careful-Nico [Mavericks GM Nico Harrison] might trade him for someone older and more injury-prone,” poking fun at Davis’ durability record.
The quip reflects broader anxieties in Dallas about whether the trade was truly beneficial long-term. Despite Davis’ undeniable talent, he only played 11 games last season, including the play-in, due to a series of injuries.
Contrasting builds and expectations
This debate about physiques isn’t just about looks, it’s about what they represent. In a league where conditioning and availability are paramount, a player’s physical shape often signals their readiness to carry a team.
Doncic showing up fit to Lakers camp may quiet doubters who questioned his commitment to fitness. For Davis, on the other hand, every added pound is analyzed through the lens of past injuries and recovery setbacks.
Notably, Davis is set to wear protective eyewear this season following surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. This detail, while medically necessary, adds another layer to his transformation and makes him a visible symbol of change in Dallas. Fans are watching closely, not just how he plays, but how he moves, adjusts, and endures a full season.
The bottom line? Both stars are under the microscope. Their bodies, their performance, and their ability to adapt post-trade will define the success, or failure, of one of the most high-profile swaps in recent NBA history. With training camps underway, the league will soon find out if the visual transformations translate into real success on the court.
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