Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is in the midst of a summer that can only be described as a transformative experience. He signed a three-year extension with the Lakers and has been at the heart of countless conversations about his weight loss and improved conditioning.
An intriguing photoshoot left countless fans in shock, but it was on Friday, Aug. 8 that Doncic confirmed that the hype about his fitness is justified.
Doncic and Slovenia took the court in a EuroBasket preparation game against Germany that had Lakers fans' eyes all over it. It didn't take long for the 2024 NBA scoring champion to confirm that he has, in fact, lost what appears to be a significant amount of weight.
It's already translating to the court, with Doncic moving noticeably quicker around screens and converting the type of magical shots fans have become accustomed to seeing.
Luka magic is back 🇸🇮🪄#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/YA6Nfu8wOD
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 8, 2025
With an extra burst seemingly behind every step, Doncic is looking like the player and athlete the Dallas Mavericks swore he'd never be again.
Luka Doncic looks noticeably quicker in EuroBasket warmup
The Lakers superstar's interview with Men's Health went viral when photographs of a noticeably slimmer Doncic surfaced on the internet. Optimism inevitably arrived in abundance as one of the best players in the world had seemingly turned a corner with his fitness and conditioning.
Doncic is already putting his slimmer frame to good use, moving more freely around the court and playing angles with increased velocity.
Luka in prime #EuroBasket form already! 🇸🇮✨ pic.twitter.com/759S8sQm4f
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 8, 2025
Considering the 26-year-old Doncic has already put together a Hall of Fame résumé, his physical transformation offers ample reason to believe a new level of greatness could soon be unlocked. The instant hope among many is that he'll have more energy on defense, where a vast majority of the criticism he faces arises.
Doncic is coming off of a season in which he averaged a career-best 1.8 steals per game, however, which shows an early increase in activity, even if more work still needs to be done.
Friendly warmup for EuroBasket?
Not exactly.
Isaac Bonga has shadowed Luka from the jump and Dončić has answered with 15 points and 5 assists, some trash talk for Bonga after one stepback and lots of jawing with Germany’s Spanish coach Álex Mumbrú.
Germany up 53-48 at HT. https://t.co/GAKH4r3xC4
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 8, 2025
Offensively, Doncic has carved out a reputation as one of the most lethal dribble-penetrators in the sport. He uses his height, handle, and knowledge of how to generate space to create the perfect angles to attack, and is capable of finishing with a wide array of skills once he gets into the paint.
When all else fails, Doncic's fearless three-point shooting is a strength opposing players must be aware of, as well—a truth he reminded his skeptics of against Germany.
It's a good day for basketball, Luka is hooping 🇸🇮#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/LF6CFxiz07
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 8, 2025
Doncic, a former EuroBasket gold medalist, should benefit from this summer endeavor with Slovenia. In addition to representing his country on a major stage, he can test the way his body is due to respond to the grind of competitive basketball before the 2025-26 NBA season commences.
In the process, Lakers fans are sure to receive the opportunities they've been searching for to evaluate the franchise player's new look and thrilling skill set.