The NBA offseason is usually synonymous with vacations and rest for the stars, but Luka Doncic chose a very different path. The Los Angeles Lakers player used the summer to completely transform his body, sending a clear message that he’s ready for a new chapter in his career.
In just a few months, Doncic lost 31 pounds thanks to a strict diet and a perfectly designed training plan. The change was so evident that it even surprised his own team. Nate McMillan, Lakers assistant coach, described him as “a completely different beast,” reflecting the magnitude of his evolution.
Doncic and his physical transformation
The Slovenian went from weighing around 260 pounds to about 230, opting for a gluten-free, low-sugar, protein-focused diet, combined with intermittent fasting. He also added two daily 90-minute sessions in Croatia with a specialized conditioning team.
But it wasn’t just about shedding pounds. The goal was to boost his endurance, explosiveness, and durability-areas that have historically been seen as his weaknesses. After missing much of the 2024-25 season due to injuries and following his trade from Dallas to Los Angeles, Doncic knew it was time to make a statement.
The effort paid off: his numbers with the Lakers after the trade (28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists) solidified his superstar status. And on August 2, 2025, the franchise rewarded him with a three-year, $165 million max extension, confirming he is now the cornerstone of the Lakers’ project.
Yabusele warns Doncic
With this transformation as the backdrop, EuroBasket 2025 promises to be the perfect stage to see the new Doncic lead Slovenia. However, not everyone is buying into the hype.
Guerschon Yabusele, forward for the New York Knicks and a key piece of the French national team, was blunt when speaking about his former Real Madrid teammate:
“I don’t think our goal is to focus on how his body changed. It’s not just about Luka. There are many tough teams in the group. We’re focused on France.”
The message was clear: France won’t be distracted by the weight-loss narrative. For Yabusele, basketball remains a team sport-not a one-man show, no matter how brilliant that man may be.
Slovenia vs. France: a rivalry with history
This matchup also carries a special backstory. Yabusele and Doncic shared a locker room at Real Madrid in 2018 and have faced off in several international tournaments since. France eliminated Slovenia at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and at EuroBasket 2022, where despite stellar performances from Luka, the French team came out on top.
Group D of this EuroBasket looks challenging: Slovenia will face Poland, Belgium, Israel, Iceland, and France. Without veterans like Goran Dragic or Vlatko Cancar, Slovenia’s reliance on Doncic will be even greater. On the other side, France will also be missing stars like Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, and Evan Fournier, but still boasts a physical and disciplined roster capable of troubling any opponent.
Doncic seeks legacy in the NBA
Luka’s commitment is twofold: he not only wants to lead Slovenia to the top at EuroBasket, but also solidify his leadership with the Lakers. Even executives like Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss have traveled to follow him in Europe-a sign of the full support he receives from Los Angeles.
Thus, the European tournament becomes a perfect test: will Doncic’s new body and renewed mindset give Slovenia an edge, or will Yabusele’s warning-that collective strength outweighs individual brilliance-prove true?
The answer will come soon, but one thing is certain: EuroBasket 2025 already has one of its most anticipated matchups-Slovenia vs. France, Luka Doncic vs. Guerschon Yabusele.
Read the full article here
