Much has been said about Luka Doncic’s shocking trade to the Lakers. Nico Harrison’s reasons for the move have been discussed extensively in mainstream and social media for months. Moreover, a recent photo showing the Slovenian player’s transformation has reignited the controversy.
The mega-trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis midway through the 2024-2025 season left fans and media with more questions than answers.
After seven seasons and a championship with the Mavericks, fans and Doncic himself thought he would stay with the team for life. However, the Dallas front office had other plans.
Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office were more than concerned about Doncic’s poor physical condition, caused in part by the injuries that had plagued him. Today, however, things have taken a dramatic turn.
The photo that underscores Harrison and the Mavericks’ mistake
In recent days, one of Doncic’s most recent photos with the Lakers has been circulating on social media, compared to his first photo in the purple and gold uniform.
The difference is striking. In the February 2025 photo, Doncic appears overweight in his first game with the Lakers. In the second, he looks to be in peak physical condition during Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic.
However, as some analysts have pointed out, a year ago, the Slovenian star was coming off two months of inactivity due to a severe calf strain.
At the end of the 2024-2025 season, Luka underwent an intense conditioning regimen that not only got him in shape but also has him playing the best basketball of his life.
Despite this, the comparison still sparked controversy.
Fans are divided over Luka’s transformation
While Doncic is dominating the MVP conversation, fans remain divided over his transformation:
- “Y’all thought Nico and the Mavs’ physical staff were lying? Lmao”
- “They thought Nico was lying about his fat ass pushing 270 lmao.”
- “Even if he was fat, trading him was quite literally the dumbest option there was.”
- “Coming off an injury. Fairs he put on some weight. Mfs acting like he’s always fat.”
- “Credit where it’s due, he looks great.”
- “The side-by-side makes him look insane last year, bro.”
With Doncic in his best form in a long time, the Lakers are marching confidently towards the playoffs, while the Mavericks continue to struggle to find consistency.
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