A new offseason workout video of Luka Doncic has gone viral, and it’s not just his skills catching attention-his noticeably slimmer frame is stealing the spotlight.
After years of criticism for showing up to camp out of shape, Doncic appears to have taken the message to heart, and he’s entering this new chapter in L.A. with a transformed physique.
This change could be a game-changer for the Lakers.
Doncic, already one of the league’s most dominant offensive weapons, is looking leaner than ever in recent footage from a private gym session. Lakers training camp is still weeks away, but the early glimpse of “fit Luka” is fueling sky-high expectations.
Luka is earning the team’s respect
Despite last season ending short of a title, the Lakers’ acquisition of Doncic was considered a huge success. But critics argued his conditioning held him back in Dallas-and may have played a role in the Mavericks’ decision to trade their franchise star. Now in Los Angeles, Doncic seems determined to prove those doubters wrong.
And he’s already winning over his new teammates.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart, recently signed by the Lakers and known for his elite defense, couldn’t hide his relief at finally being on the same side as Doncic.
“Aw man, he was a magician-literally,” Smart said on The Sedano & Kap Show on ESPN LA. “The Luka Magic was real. We would game plan for him, get ready, and he’d still find a way to beat you. To be on the other end of that now? That’s a huge relief.”
Doncic is on the verge of a mega deal
Doncic’s future in Los Angeles looks even brighter. According to Martin Pavcnik of SportKlub, the Slovenian star is expected to ink a multi-year extension with the Lakers on August 2nd, solidifying his status as the franchise cornerstone.
“Even though the NBA has shown us nothing is guaranteed, it looks like Luka and the Lakers will announce a long-term partnership soon,” Pavcnik wrote.
Loyal to a fault, Doncic never wanted to leave Dallas-but now that he’s in purple and gold, it seems his loyalty has found a new home. And if the new-look Luka shows up this season the way he’s training now, the rest of the NBA better be on high alert.
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