Luka Dončić has committed to improving his conditioning ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. With a new diet, intense training, and a focus on getting into peak physical shape, the superstar guard is poised to enter the season in the best shape of his career. Could this be the year Dončić reaches MVP levels?
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić has long been heralded for his skills, earning All-NBA honors five times in his first seven seasons. However, one aspect of his game that has often been scrutinized is his conditioning. Critics have consistently pointed out that the 26-year-old has struggled with maintaining peak physical shape heading into seasons, despite his undeniable talent.
But those days seem to be behind him. After months of speculation about his offseason regimen, Dončić has finally opened up about his focus on improving his conditioning and returning to the court in the best shape of his career.
A New Approach: Focus on Fitness
This offseason, Dončić has made a significant effort to overhaul his fitness routine. He adopted a gluten-free, low-sugar diet and incorporated intermittent fasting into his lifestyle, all while pushing himself with two-a-day workouts. Training in his home country of Croatia, Dončić has committed himself to his body in ways that seem to have already paid off. When asked about his physical transformation, Dončić confidently stated, “My whole body looks better.”
This change comes after a difficult 2024-25 season, in which Dončić struggled with a calf injury that limited him to just 50 games. Despite his injury woes, a midseason trade to the Lakers didn’t disrupt his focus for the future. After their early playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić was eager to hit the ground running.
Motivation to Improve: A Fresh Start
Dončić’s motivation was clear. In the immediate aftermath of the Lakers’ postseason disappointment, the All-Star guard contacted his manager, Lara Beth Seager, and asked to begin his offseason training program the day after the playoff exit. As Dončić put it, “Every summer I try my best to work on different things. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.”
His conditioning regimen was strict. For the first month, he was prohibited from touching a basketball. While initially frustrated by the restriction, Dončić followed through and focused on weight training and other sports, allowing his basketball muscles to rest while strengthening other parts of his body. By the end of the month, he was back on the court—and feeling lighter than ever.
Vertical Leap and New Goals
Though Dončić didn’t make specific claims about his weight loss, he hinted at a transformation, especially when asked about his 42-inch vertical leap, which he showcased at the 2018 NBA Scouting Combine. Dončić believes he could now surpass that mark. “This year, we didn’t measure the jumping yet,” Dončić said, “but I think it’s a little bit higher.”
If that’s the case, it only adds another layer to his already unstoppable game. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court has made him one of the NBA’s most exciting young stars, but his conditioning has often been a limitation. If this offseason marks a new chapter in his fitness journey, opposing teams could be in for a rude awakening.
Championship Aspirations: The Lakers’ Path Forward
Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently made waves by suggesting the team needed to “get in championship shape” following their early playoff exit. While many interpreted that comment as a critique of Dončić’s conditioning, it’s clear that the superstar has taken the message to heart.
Dončić himself says this summer’s fitness program is just the beginning. “This is just the start,” he shared. That should send a clear message to the rest of the NBA: If Dončić is truly operating at his peak, there may be no stopping him.
As the Lakers head into the 2025-26 season, Dončić’s newfound commitment to fitness could be exactly what they need to capture another championship. If he can stay healthy and push his performance to even higher levels, he might just find himself as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player—and help the Lakers claim yet another title.
