The Los Angeles Lakers closed out the regular season with a 50-32 record, winning the Pacific Division and claiming the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Under first-year head coach J.J. Redick, the Lakers secured their third straight playoff berth but fell in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing the series 4-1
Despite the early exit, the franchise’s decision to acquire Luka Doncic in a blockbuster midseason trade has kept excitement for the fanbase at an all-time high.
That level of hype received another boost on Friday when a casual clip of Doncic next to a fan went viral, revealing a noticeably leaner frame.
Reportedly, the 26-year-old has committed to a strict offseason diet and workout regimen ahead of his first full campaign in Los Angeles.
Fans online instantly reacted to the post.
"League is in trouble," said one user.
"Ain’t seen him like this since his rookie year, bron definitely influenced him," another fan replied.
"I'll never forgive Dallas for trading Luka smh," another commenter responded.
"I wonder tho is him being too skinny going to affect his playing style?" said one other fan.
"He's done with y'all saying he's out of shape," another user commented.
"He looks like an impostor lol," replied one other fan.
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77), forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15).
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
A five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA First-Team selection, 2024 scoring champion and perennial MVP candidate, Doncic has averaged 30.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists over his five-year career, and led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
After arriving in L.A. in February, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from deep.
Those numbers placed him among the league’s elite and helped spur an 18-10 stretch in the 28 games he suited up for the Lakers.
Yet concerns over his conditioning emerged during the playoffs.
However, if his new look can somehow help him improve on these numbers, and more importantly, the Lakers' title hopes, nothing will be able to prepare opposing teams for "Skinny Luka."