Luka Doncic can stick it to Mavericks one more time with Lakers offseason plan

Calling Luka Doncic fat to justify one of the most jarring trades in NBA history was certainly a bold move by the Dallas Mavericks. Dan Woike's new report is giving every indication that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will force Nico Harrison and ownership to eat those words.

The newest Lakers beat writer for The Athletic wrote,"Doncic has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan."

Woike added how Doncic has switched up his usual offseason routine 'away from on-court work to focus more on his body.' The Lakers writer highlighted the recent photos of the Lakers point guard as the evidence, adding that Luka will now be shifting his focus to EuroBasket with Slovenia.

Some will testify to this being proof that the Mavericks were right in their critiques. However, there is so much more nuance to the situation that quickly shuts that down. One thing is certain, though, Doncic is well on his way to making Dallas regret that sentiment in 2025-26.

Best version of Doncic is quickly loading for the Lakers

There is nothing scarier than a man on a mission. That is especially true when discussing a superstar of Doncic's caliber.

Magic Johnson had a harsh, but true, message for the Lakers superstar earlier this offseason. The all-time great expressed the higher standard that headliners in Los Angeles are held to. Johnson quickly reminded everyone that Lakers superstars are expected to bring championships.

The older of the flashy point guards did give kudos to Doncic for the same thing Woike did: the noticeable effort displayed in the offseason regime.

The narrative about Luka's game shape last season omits the injuries that Doncic struggled with throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Having multiple setbacks of that nature will certainly not leave anyone at their best, and the superstar point guard still looked pretty darn good.

The much funnier counterargument to any weight concerns would also be something similar to that of what anonymous players had to say in a survey conducted towards the end of the season. One of the reactions stated how it 'would not matter if Luka came in weighing 500 pounds.'

JJ Redick certainly didn't ascribe to that feeling when the Lakers coach was quoted talking about the team needing to get into 'championship shape.' Many viewed that as a shot towards Doncic.

Whether it was or it wasn't remains unclear. However, what is clear is that Doncic heard the message wholeheartedly. With a clean bill of health, and a pivotal offseason underway, the Slovenian superstar is reassuring everyone in Los Angeles at each possible step.