Luka Doncic was shockingly traded from Dallas to Los Angeles at the 2024-25 trade deadline, blindsiding the 26-year-old superstar who had planned to be a Maverick for life.
The reason? Dallas GM Nico Harrison apparently had enough of Doncic’s weight issues, diet, work ethic, and conditioning. The fact that Doncic was nursing a calf injury at the time didn’t help his case.
But the trade has lit a fire under the Slovenian star.
He’s reportedly dropped 30 pounds this offseason and looks to be in the best shape since entering the NBA.
“I think he’s gonna win MVP and the scoring title next season. He wants to get revenge on Dallas for basically fat-shaming him,” an anonymous scout told reporters after watching Doncic at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.
The scout was blown away by Doncic’s transformation, describing him as “incredible” and noting he’s “quicker and more explosive” on the court.
That’s scary news for the rest of the league. Doncic has never had trouble getting past defenders with his skill alone. Adding newfound speed and explosiveness could make him nearly unstoppable.
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Doncic seems determined to make Dallas regret their decision.
The Lakers clearly believe in him, handing the young playmaker a three-year, $165 million extension this offseason.
While LeBron James remains on the roster, it’s obvious the Lakers are building their future around Doncic. The pressure will be immense as he takes over as the face of one of basketball’s most storied franchises.
Betting markets are taking notice too. NBA oddsmakers have Doncic at +650 to win MVP next season, giving him the third-best odds behind only Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Doncic’s scoring prowess is already legendary. His career average of 28.6 points per game ranks third all-time, trailing only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.
His highest scoring season came in 2023-24 when he led the league with 33.9 points per game and finished third in MVP voting.
Recent footage from EuroBasket shows Doncic looking smooth and confident with his slimmed-down physique.
If the anonymous scout’s predictions come true, the Mavericks might go down in history for making one of the most regrettable trades in NBA history.
