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.
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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.
Luka Doncic’s shocking mid-season trade from the Mavericks certainly appears to have motivated him physically.
A side-by-side comparison from opening night to his latest game with the Lakers shows a noticeable drop in weight. pic.twitter.com/7VV4pyxbhM
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 21, 2025
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.