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Luka Dončić One Ups LeBron James’ $1 Million Spending

Dylan Edenfield
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center

It may not seem like it, especially considering the negative comments his previous team made about his physique, but Luka Dončić actually invests quite a bit of his salary back into building his body. The 26-year-old clearly wants to ensure his longevity in the league, even if he isn’t built the same as his superstar teammate, LeBron James.

In an admittedly hilarious interview with Sundae Conversation, Dončić and host Caleb Pressly discussed the seemingly unmatchable amount that LeBron spends on his body each year. When Pressley shared that the 40-year-old reportedly invests $1 million on his body each year and asked Doncic if he believed this to be true, he bluntly said, “Probably.”

LeBron spending this much to prolong his professional career isn’t new information, but it may come as a surprise that Dončić invests even more on his body than the four-time MVP. Dončić’s body type has been a topic of discussion ever since the Dallas Mavericks traded him in February, but it’s clear the Slovenian sensation doesn’t mess around with his health.

“Two million,” Dončić said in a deadpan tone when he was asked the same question. Still yet to enter the true prime of his career, Doncic clearly wants to ensure there won’t be too many obstacles keeping him from playing every night. As a result, he’s taking care of himself now rather than trying to fix himself later.

Luka has been the subject of plenty of criticism since arriving with the Lakers, but the seventh-year veteran has proven he takes his role as a superstar seriously and understands the work it takes to maintain that pedigree. He’s been committed to leading the Lakers to another championship ever since he arrived in LA.

The outlook on Luka’s fitness has improved in recent weeks

While Dončić’s long-term health was seriously questioned immediately following the trade, the star guard has responded to any doubts about his fitness. Discussions of his fitness have improved since joining the Lakers as it became clear the Mavs’ fears were mostly overblown.

One of the reasons many have a more positive outlook on Doncic’s fitness is simply because he looks better. He’s clearly slimmer compared to earlier this season with Dallas, possibly using the franchise’s criticisms as motivation to prove himself.

There’s certainly an obvious difference between these two photos of Dončić, and understandably so. Outside of winning titles, Luka will likely make it his career mission to remind Nico Harrison and co. for their ill-advised decision every chance he gets.

Post Edited By:Thilo Latrell Widder

About the author

Dylan Edenfield

Dylan Edenfield

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Dylan Edenfield is an NBA journalist at The SportRush. He has written 500+ basketball articles for various websites since starting the venture in 2016, as a freshman in high school. Dylan has been a writer and graphic designer for PalaceofPistons.com, a Detroit Pistons-based Substack and podcast, since 2016. As an avid Detroit Pistons fan, contributing and building relationships with fellow writers truly sparked his love for NBA coverage. Dylan graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in December 2023 with a Communications major in Media Arts & Studies and a minor in Sports Management. Dylan hoped to combine these two focuses to break into the professional sports journalism landscape. Outside of sports, Dylan is an avid gamer and occasionally likes to try other art forms, including drawing and painting. When it comes to something he creates, Dylan goes the extra mile to ensure his work is as good as it can be.

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