Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic. Image via: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty | Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images Luka Doncic has turned heads this summer with a physique that looks drastically different from the one fans saw last season. After a tumultuous year, the 26-year-old NBA star made a powerful statement through his body, and no one seemed more impressed than Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson. The Hall of Famer took to social media to applaud Doncic’s apparent commitment to winning in L.A., calling it a tone-setting move.
Magic Johnson hails Luka Doncic’s dedication
Magic Johnson recently took to x to share his honest thoughts on Luka Doncic’s transformation. “I love how Luka is showing his Laker teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body!” he wrote on X.In a follow-up post, Johnson added, “When a guy comes to LA and totally transforms his body, you know he’s not just talking about winning, he’s showing it. That’s how you set the tone in the locker room and let your teammates know it’s time to chase a championship together!”Doncic graced the cover of Men’s Health this offseason, revealing a regimen that included a gluten-free, low-sugar diet, intermittent fasting, and over 250 grams of protein a day. But it wasn’t just about nutrition. According to his physiotherapist Javier Barrio, Doncic began his offseason training without even touching a basketball, focusing first on strength and conditioning. He didn’t return to on-court work until June.A disappointing first-round playoff exit and an injury-plagued season that saw him suit up in just 50 games after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. The Slovenian guard still averaged an impressive 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles Lakers are building the roster around Luka Doncic
With LeBron James now 40, the Lakers are banking on Doncic as both their present and future. The front office has been aggressive, adding defensive ace Marcus Smart and center Deandre Ayton to bolster the roster, which already includes Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and Rui Hachimura.“This summer was just a little bit different, you know,” Doncic told Men’s Health. “It kind of motivated me to be even better… This is just the start. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”If Luka’s offseason is any indication, the Lakers could be gearing up for their strongest title push since 2020.Also Read: Why is LeBron James furious with an AI company? Legal action over deepfake pregnancy videos explained
FAQs
What did Magic Johnson say about Luka Doncic’s transformation?He praised Luka’s effort, saying it shows how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles.How did Luka Doncic change his offseason routine?He focused heavily on diet, strength, and conditioning before returning to basketball in June.Why did Luka Doncic’s transformation draw so much attention?It followed a trade, an injury-filled season, and signals his commitment to the Lakers’ title hopes.