Luka Doncic returns to Slovenia's EuroBasket squad in top shape after body transformation
Most
NBA
stars take a break after the season. Luka Doncic? He went straight back to work. After the Lakers' playoff disappointment, he transformed his body through a brutal summer regimen.
His shredded frame on Men's Health made headlines — but his critics still aren't convinced. Can he move better? Guard faster players? Prove them wrong at EuroBasket? August 29 is the day we start finding out.
Luka
Doncic
wasted no time after the Los Angeles Lakers' loss
After the Lakers' letdown in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, Doncic didn't hesitate. The day after the season concluded, he messaged his manager, Lara Beth Seager, to get his offseason training underway.
'So every summer I try my best to work on different things. Obviously, I'm very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better,' Doncic shared with Men's Health magazine during an interview that came out on July 28, 2025.
His transformation was incredible. Luka Doncic flaunted a leaner, trimmer body on the cover of the July 2025 issue of Men s Health. It was the magazine that described his training schedule: two 90-minute sessions a day that included weightlifting, agility and shooting exercises.
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His diet also followed a proper routine 250 grams of protein in a day in the form of whey shakes and a gluten-free diet with low sugar content.
He has also embraced intermittent fasting, which involved 16 hours fasting and often exercised when hungry.
Luka Doncic's offseason work could silence critics who questioned his defense
Doncic has consistently been an offensive genius, putting up an average of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over 50 games in the 2024-25 season. However, questions remained about his defense and stamina.
Now, with a more toned physique, he has the potential to transform those weaknesses into strengths.
The added agility could help him defend against faster players and move more off the ball. His stamina might also get better, enabling him to play longer without tiring out. 'He's going to be a different player this year,'.
Not everyone is on board, though. According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on July 30, 2025, Doncic's offensive skills were never the concern.
'No. Not any more scared than they already are. I mean, the brother is phenomenal; he's an offensive talent, there's no doubt about this. But there's a difference between getting in shape in the offseason and staying in shape during the season,' Smith said, pointing to ongoing defensive effort and off-ball movement concerns.
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Luka Doncic's comeback to Slovenia's EuroBasket team isn't merely a return home, it's a powerful declaration. Following a trade, some criticism, and a challenging offseason, he's come back leaner, stronger, and more driven than ever. Whether he can quiet critics like Stephen A. Smith and lead Slovenia to success is yet to be determined. What's definite is that all eyes will be on him when he takes the court on August 29.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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