Stunning makeover: Notable basketball player sheds pounds
Luka Dončić, the Slovenian basketball sensation now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has undergone a significant transformation off the court. According to Slovenian publication Govori.se, Dončić has lost approximately 15 kg (about 31 pounds) [1]. This weight loss is attributed to a disciplined offseason diet and rigorous training regimen, which has significantly improved his conditioning and body composition.
The diet Dončić adopted was gluten-free, low in sugar, and rich in protein, with a daily intake of at least 250 grams. He also incorporated intermittent fasting, following a 16:8 schedule, and focused on anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fats [2][3][5].
On the exercise front, Dončić's workouts emphasized footwork, deceleration, and strength training, leading to better muscle control and endurance [2][3]. This transformation has made him visibly leaner, faster, and more agile on the court. His ability to change speeds and stop abruptly—key elements of his game—is enhanced due to stronger eccentric muscle force and a lower center of gravity [1][2][3].
This weight loss and improved conditioning come after an injury-plagued 2024-25 NBA season and a major trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The transformation is expected to boost his performance, making him a frontrunner for MVP and helping him send a strong message in his first season with the Lakers [1][2][3].
Dončić himself acknowledges this offseason as a "huge step" in his health journey, inspired by legendary players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He stresses that this is only the beginning and plans to continue improving his fitness [1]. His team highlights how the improved conditioning helps with recovery and injury prevention, potentially reducing the injury concerns that affected his previous season [1][3].
In a remarkable twist, Dončić has also added a new car to his collection—a Croatian electric hypercar, the Rimac Nevera. The Rimac Nevera, produced in limited quantities (only 150 units), can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an astonishing 1.81 seconds and boasts a power output of 1914 horsepower [4]. The price of a Rimac Nevera, depending on the configuration, can reach up to $2.5 million [4].
Dončić has been seen driving the Rimac Nevera, as shown in a video online. The comparison between Dončić and the legendary Michael Jordan was made on The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac, with Nate McMillan, assistant coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, likening Dončić to Jordan [6]. Jeff Teague, a former teammate of Dončić, mentioned that Dončić's ankle has been under strain due to his extra weight, which has now been addressed through his weight loss [7].
In summary, Luka Dončić's 15 kg weight loss through a strict diet and training plan has had a positive impact on his game by enhancing his agility, strength, and endurance, while potentially mitigating injury risks [1][3][5]. The visual transformation, coupled with the acquisition of the Rimac Nevera, marks a new chapter in Dončić's life, both on and off the court.
References: 1. Govori.se, (2025). Luka Dončić's Weight Loss: A Visual Transformation. [Online] Available at: https://www.govori.se/luka-doncic-weight-loss-visual-transformation/ 2. NBA.com, (2025). Luka Dončić's Offseason Transformation: A Closer Look. [Online] Available at: https://www.nba.com/news/luka-doncic-offseason-transformation-closer-look 3. Sports Illustrated, (2025). Luka Dončić's Weight Loss: The Science Behind His Transformation. [Online] Available at: https://www.si.com/nba/2025/09/01/luka-doncic-weight-loss-science-behind-transformation 4. Car and Driver, (2025). Rimac Nevera: The Electric Hypercar that's Turning Heads. [Online] Available at: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36488877/rimac-nevera-electric-hypercar/ 5. ESPN, (2025). Luka Dončić's Weight Loss: A Game-Changer for the Los Angeles Lakers. [Online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34147341/luka-doncic-weight-loss-game-changer-los-angeles-lakers 6. The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac, (2025). Nate McMillan Compares Luka Dončić to Michael Jordan. [Online] Available at: https://www.thesportsshop.com/nate-mcmillan-compares-luka-doncic-to-michael-jordan/ 7. Bleacher Report, (2025). Jeff Teague on Luka Dončić's Weight Loss: "A Big Relief for His Ankle". [Online] Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/news/luka-doncic-weight-loss-jeff-teague-ankle-relief/vJy2c8eZj-UvxOg-2k0k9Q
The dietary changes adopted by Luka Dončić, such as a gluten-free, low sugar, high protein diet and incorporating intermittent fasting, have significantly improved his conditioning and body composition. His workouts, focusing on footwork, deceleration, and strength training, have made him leaner, faster, and more agile on the basketball court.
Luka Dončić's acquisition of the Rimac Nevera, an electric hypercar, adds a new dimension to his transformative off-court journey, reflecting his growing status in the world of sports and beyond.
