Doncic is able to present Nico Harrison how incorrect he was for buying and selling him, and he’s spent the offseason exhibiting off his new slimmer physique. But when the Lakers reported for media day earlier this week, Doncic was truly listed at 14 kilos heavier than he was getting into final season.
Doncic is listed at 6’7, 244 kilos by the Lakers proper now. A 12 months in the past, the Mavericks listed Luka at 230 kilos getting into coaching camp. What provides? Right here’s the 2024 Mavs coaching camp roster and 2025 Lakers camp roster side-by-side.
The Mavericks had been mendacity about Luka’s weight final 12 months
That is the best rationalization for a way Luka gained 14 kilos during the last 12 months.
Again in 2021, ESPN’s Tim McMahon reported that Dallas was already mendacity about Doncic’s weight. “Sources instructed ESPN that Doncic reported to coaching camp weighing greater than 260 kilos for the second consecutive 12 months. His listed weight is 230 kilos.” It’s attainable that 260 kilos could have been on the lighter facet, particularly as Doncic handled a calf pressure that restricted his conditioning final season and stored him out of the lineup for about six weeks earlier than the commerce.
Harrison had such low tolerance for Luka’s poor conditioning and occasion habits that it’s shocking the Mavericks didn’t simply checklist his actual weight as a option to inspire him. At this level, although, it’s a lock that Dallas was masking for Luka whereas he performed himself into form for a number of years.
Right here’s what Doncic regarded like on media day one 12 months in the past:
And right here’s what he appears like now:
Doncic is fitter and happier in LA it certain appears. Will he be extra productive? Luka carried an underdog Mavericks workforce to the 2024 NBA Finals, and he’ll should be much more good this 12 months if the Lakers are going to make a run within the Western Convention. Doncic is among the preseason favorites for MVP proper now, however that has been the case for a number of seasons, and he’s by no means gained the award.
LeBron James may nonetheless be on the Lakers, however for the primary time in his profession, he seems like a sidekick. The Lakers are Luka’s workforce, and they’re going to solely go so far as he can carry them. A 244-pound Doncic needs to be an important factor for Los Angeles. For as soon as, everyone seems to be being open and sincere about his weight, which is one thing he’s all the time used to his benefit. With Zion Williamson additionally trying slim this season, there can be an added highlight on how the 2 stars carry out now that they’re in higher form.
That is the largest check but in Luka’s profession. The Mavs are going to be simply tremendous with out him now that they’ve Cooper Flagg. It’s on Doncic to show his “revenge physique” isn’t only a PR push — it’s one thing that may truly assist make him contend for being the perfect participant on this planet.