Luka Doncic was once a rising young star for Real Madrid’s basketball team, and on Sunday, he made a much-anticipated return to Movistar Arena. Sitting courtside and receiving a warm welcome from the fans he once dazzled, one thing immediately stood out—his noticeably slimmer physique.
Doncic is coming off a strong second half of the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, following a surprise trade before the deadline.
Following a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers head coach JJ Redick made it clear in his postseason remarks that the team needs to be in “championship shape” moving forward. While Redick didn’t name anyone specifically, Doncic has often faced criticism regarding his conditioning.
On Sunday, however, fans noticed a leaner, more toned version of the All-Star guard—a promising sign this early in the offseason, especially as the Lakers prepare to build their future around him.
Fans reacted to the photos of Doncic court side:
"Oh yeah, my boy is definitely slimming down. Luka MVP season next year calling it now," a fan said.
Someone else added, "that boy look slim aye."
"my boy is slim af league is cooked next season," another fan posted.
One more fan commented, "My boy looking skinny! LFG!"
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Doncic remains one of the top players in the NBA, coming off an NBA Finals appearance in 2024 and already earning five All-NBA First Team selections by the age of 26.
However, this past season he missed significant time after suffering a calf strain on Christmas Day—his final game in a Mavericks uniform before being traded just a few months later.
Now entering his first offseason as a member of the Lakers, there's considerable pressure on Doncic to step into the role of franchise cornerstone. That expectation was a major factor behind Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s decision to pull the trigger on the blockbuster trade when the opportunity arose.