Luka Doncic has gone from pudgy and out of shape to lean and fit in just a few months. Multiple reports have outlined his new commitment to his fitness and conditioning, and a recent Men’s Health article went further into detail and included photos of his new physique.
He’s not only doing two workouts a day, but he’s also watching what he’s eating. The result could be a version of Doncic that is even more lethal than the one we have seen over the last six seasons.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar did an interview with People magazine, and in it, he said that winning the NBA championship is the motivation behind his new health and fitness regimen (h/t Lakers Daily).
“I would say winning the championship is my priority,” Doncic said. “You know, you try to do it every year; I didn’t do it yet. Hopefully in the future I will.”
“So I mean, that was honestly my motivation. We got a new team, we got a whole preseason. You get to know each other, and honestly, I’m very excited to start.”
After the Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers six months ago, they took shots at his lack of fitness in the media, apparently in a futile attempt to justify their decision to get rid of him. Many have speculated that it played a role in Doncic slimming down.
Now, the Lakers have addressed what was a gaping hole at the center position by bringing in 27-year-old seven-footer Deandre Ayton while also signing 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. They will also have a full training camp with Doncic in the fold, which will allow coach JJ Redick and his staff to truly maximize his abilities.
Many don’t think the Lakers are championship contenders right now. But perhaps a new and improved version of Doncic will help bridge the gap between where the team is now and where it needs to be.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic admits his motivation for getting in shape this summer
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
