Doncic was traded to the Lakers in one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA. The Mavericks traded away one of the NBA’s all-time greats, citing concerns about his work ethic and ability to stay in shape.
However, Doncic recently graced the cover of Men’s Health magazine, showcasing his new physique and explaining the work he has put in this offseason to get into peak condition. He also took a jab at the Mavericks afterwards.
Doncic looks in the shape of his life. The Mavericks inspired the transformation by sharing details with the media about his lack of fitness after they were criticised for trading the Slovenian.
There can be few questions of Doncic’s fitness now, though, and on an appearance on the MLB broadcast during a New York Yankees game, he took the opportunity to make a sly comment about his former team.
Yankees announcer Michael Kay was explaining the history between Doncic and the Mavs, and said, “You should mail them a copy of the Men’s Health magazine.”
Doncic laughed and said, “They probably saw it. I don’t have to worry about that.”
He committed to an intense workout in Croatia while sticking to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet over the summer in order to shed the weight.
When asked what inspired the weight loss, Doncic said, “I just needed a fresh start after everything that happened. I had more time this summer than last year, so I kind of left basketball for one month to focus on other things, and it was an excellent fresh and healthy start for me.
The Lakers have dominated the headlines this summer, as LeBron James considered leaving. His priority is winning a fifth NBA title, and the team’s early offseason moves didn’t satisfy the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
They have since made some moves, such as signing DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart to bolster the roster. James contemplates retirement, but he looks set to remain a Laker for the time being.
The next question: would Doncic re-sign in LA? He has one year remaining on his contract and would be free to leave in the summer of 2026. But reports have emerged that a new contract is impending.
Brett Siegel reported for ClutchPoints that Doncic is likely to sign a four-year, $229 million max contract extension with the Lakers after the conclusion of his Jordan Brand tour, which finishes in LA.
With James staying and Doncic re-signing, the Lakers can make a run at yet another championship for one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.
