Luka Doncic might be in the best shape of his life, but do not expect him to start acting like one of those fitness influencers. On his appearance for Hot Ones, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar reminded everyone that even after a major body transformation, he is still just Doncic, funny, laid-back, and effortlessly himself.
Host Sean Evans wasted no time bringing up the viral Men’s Health cover that had everyone talking about.
“You made national news this week with the release of your Men’s Health cover story,” Evans said. “It detailed your physical transformation. ... Is there a lift you’d recommend for an average Joe like me who’s just trying to shape up a little bit in the mirror?”
Doncic delivers the most Luka answer imaginable
Luka did not even try and go into full trainer mode. Instead, he gave the most Luka answer possible.
“Oh man, you should ask my coach that,” he said with a grin. “He’ll know better. But I would say I like doing, you know, tread bars… for you I would say plank.”
Just plank. That is it. Doncic, one of the most skilled basketball players on the planet, boiled it all down to planking. The moment was hilarious, but also very Luka. He has never been the guy flexing on social media. Yet behind that easygoing attitude, there is real work being done.
This summer, Doncic reshaped his body and his game, signalling to the rest of the league that he is going to have a real shot to make a run at his first MVP award.
Fans got to see that mix of focus and personality on full display during the episode, from laughing through the wings of death to casually talking about his favorite buzzer-beaters and pregame music. The “just plank” line stood out because it captured exactly who he is: a superstar who does not need to prove he is one.
For Lakers fans, it is a good sign. When Luka first came to Los Angeles last season by a trade, anyone could see the hurt in his eyes.
Now Luka seems to be having fun, he is confident, and he is locked in. The guy who used to rely on pure talent now looks like he’s put the same energy into his conditioning, and this season should be exciting.