Luka Doncic arrives at the next Eurobasket 2025 in the best physical shape of his career and with the mission of guiding Slovenia to continental glory. The tournament, which will begin at the end of August, will be a new opportunity for the Slovenian to lead his team to a second European title, after the historic triumph in 2017, when a young Doncic, then a Real Madrid player, shared the spotlight with MVP Goran Dragic.
Eight years later, the context is different: the Slovenian national team has suffered recent disappointments and its great star has undergone a transformation that is making headlines around the world. On the cover of Men’s Health and with a noticeably more aesthetic physique, Doncic has lost 14 kilos since the 2024 NBA Finals, played with the Dallas Mavericks. According to the Slovenian press, the change is the result of a more structured work plan, new eating habits and a longer rest period than in previous summers.
Last summer was very hard: I played until June and then came the Olympic qualifiers
“There have always been questions about my fitness, but I think I was already a great player before,” said the Slovenian. “This year we approached it differently. Last summer was very tough: I played until June and then came the Olympic qualifiers. This time I had more time and a better plan,” he explains.
That plan included a first month without touching a basketball, focusing on physical training, weights and balance exercises. “The first few days were tough, but then it became a habit. It wasn’t easy, but over time everything started to flow,” said Doncic.
The physical transformation of Doncic coincides with another milestone in his career: his renewal with the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons and $165 million. The deal confirms that the Los Angeles franchise wants to build its future around the Slovenian. “It was like a new beginning for me. It’s an honor to play for this franchise. Obviously, I want to add another banner (title) up there. We have a great team and we’re going to compete for the championship,” he said after his contract extension.
The influence of physical change on his game
In the immediate future, the focus is on the national team. Doncic is already working with Slovenia ahead of their August 28 debut against Poland, in a championship where he will be the centerpiece of a team determined to repeat the feat of 2017. The question now is how this new physical condition will influence his game. “I don’t know if it will be different. I’ve only had two five-on-five practices since the NBA season ended, so we’ll see,” he admits
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