Lakers Star Luka Dončić Says He Took One Month Off From Basketball To Transform Body

Los Angeles Lakers prima Luka Dončić turned heads earlier this week erstwhile his slimmed down, muscular image graced nan screen of Men’s Health. The Slovenian has been criticized successful nan past for his conditioning — and immoderate opportunity a facet successful why he was dealt successful 1 of nan biggest trades successful convention history past season.

Dončić, appearing Wednesday connected “TODAY,” said his squad of trainers “tried immoderate caller things” this offseason to amended his physique and quiet nan critics.

“Different food, different practices,” he said. “I really gave up playing hoops for 1 month, which I’ve ne'er done successful my life. So it was benignant of challenging, but it was each good.”

Dončić, 26, is unquestionably 1 of nan apical players successful nan NBA. He is simply a five-time All-Star, earned rookie of nan twelvemonth honors successful 2019 and successful 2024 led nan convention successful scoring pinch 33.9 points per game.

But erstwhile he was dealt past February successful one of nan astir shocking trades successful NBA history — a blockbuster that sent, among others, Lakers large man Anthony Davis to nan Dallas Mavericks — Dončić's assemblage became a taxable of conversation. According to ESPN, “the Mavs had awesome concerns astir moving guardant pinch Luka Dončić owed to his changeless conditioning issues and nan looming committedness of different supermax statement hold this summer.”

Dončić connected Wednesday said he heard nan disapproval but did his champion to disregard it.

“Honestly, I tried to not publication much. Just tried to focus,” he said connected “TODAY.” “I deliberation I was still a beautiful bully hoops subordinate backmost then, nary matter what group say.”

Dončić went connected to mean 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists a crippled pinch Los Angeles aft nan deal, but knew much needed to beryllium done aft nan squad was eliminated successful nan first information of nan postseason by nan Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dončić playing pinch nan Lakers connected April 30.Harry How / Getty Images

He transitioned to a gluten-free, low-sugar fare and two-a-day workouts, wholly transforming his assemblage up of adjacent season.

Before opening night, a awesome determination looms: does he motion an hold pinch nan Lakers to stay successful L.A. for nan foreseeable future? On August 2, Dončić is eligible to motion a caller four-year woody worthy $223 million.

When asked astir his volition connected “TODAY,” he brushed it off.

“I don’t cognize what you’re talking about,” he laughed.