Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, FIBA
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is currently shining at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 with Slovenia after undergoing a dramatic body transformation this summer, reportedly losing more than 31 lbs (≈14 kg).
The 26-year-old guard committed to a new conditioning routine and diet, and his year has been full of change.
Back in early February, he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to Los Angeles, where he now shares the floor with 40-year-old legend LeBron James.
According to Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean — who is also working with Slovenia's national team — LeBron has played a role in "slim Luka."
"You know what? I always find this — iron sharpens iron," St. Jean answered BasketNews' question. "When you're around really good players, it's just like when you're a coach, and you're around a really good coach. You can't help but be motivated to continue to get better at your craft.
"I think Luka's learned a little bit from every great player he's been around. And I know he's always looked up to LeBron," the coach added. "He's always been somebody he's really admired. So I think having those two together is obviously motivating. I think it's two-way motivating as well. I don't think it's just a one-way street.
"I think LeBron, you can see, is working really hard as well. He's up at 5 a.m., and he's working on his body as well," he continued. "So, I think our team and our players — it's not just about those two guys — but I think everybody's motivated to come back and have a really good season."
And before his first full season in purple and gold even begins, he's already proving unguardable. Through three EuroBasket 2025 games, he is averaging 33.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 3.3 steals.
He also just etched his name into history, becoming only the fifth player ever to record a triple-double at EuroBasket, joining Stojko Vrankovic (1993), Toni Kukoc (1995), Rares Mandache (2017), and Mateusz Ponitka (2022).
Slovenia is 1-2 in the tournament and has games against Iceland and Israel left in the group stage.