Doncic competing in early 2025.

At dawn in a tranquil Croatian town one day in July, Doncic was already on the basketball court, training with his personal coach, Anze Macek. The 90-minute workout combined strength, speed, and shooting drills. It was the first of two daily sessions for the Los Angeles Lakers star, as he prepared for what could be the most crucial season of his career.

Remarkably, Doncic trained in a fasted state, a practice he maintained for most of the summer. Furthermore, the NBA superstar honed his skills with a resistance band, constantly pulling him back with every drive or shot. He also completed a series of upper and lower body exercises.

This was an unusual sight, especially considering Doncic was in the town that served as his familiar vacation spot during his youth. He's typically seen near weights as the season approaches. But this year, he parted ways with dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, and exercise balls from the beginning of July. Not only did he work out in the gym, but the Slovenian guard also incorporated outdoor sprints and jumps into his routine.

Doncic (right) training with coach Macek in Croatia, 17/7. Photo: Mens Health

Doncic (right) training with coach Macek in Croatia, 17/7. Photo: Mens Health

Doncic moved swiftly and diligently from one exercise to the next, from hip stretches to rowing. It was a workout with almost no breaks, but Doncic was fine. This was a significantly upgraded version of Luka.

This was evident in his looser-fitting Jordan brand shirt and the lack of fatigue on his face as he transitioned between exercises. It was also apparent in his smile as he admired his slimmer physique. His arms appeared longer, his biceps more defined, likely due to significant weight loss.

"Visually, I think my body looks better," Doncic shyly admitted.

At 26, Doncic is already a top global athlete. However, he's never possessed a conventionally ideal physique. This has sometimes overshadowed his accomplishments, including five All-NBA selections and ranking 7th in all-time triple-doubles with 82. During a charity game last August, critics and the media openly criticized him, labeling him "fat" and "out of shape".

Doncic's physique is leaner after a summer of rigorous training. Photo: Mens Health

Doncic's physique is leaner after a summer of rigorous training. Photo: Mens Health

Doncic decided to respond with this transformation in Croatia. He struggled initially, eating only two meals a day while adhering to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet with at least 250 grams of protein and a glass of almond milk. Few knew he had been quietly assembling a team of specialists and personal trainers to maximize his natural talent for the past few years.

This year, Doncic accelerated his plan. In mid-May, he, Macek, and physiotherapist Javier Barrio went to Madrid for a fitness assessment. Over three days, Doncic underwent blood, urine, and stool tests, MRIs, ultrasounds, and various physical examinations. This data informed his summer training regimen.

The Lakers' early exit from the NBA Playoffs gave Doncic four months to work closely with Barrio, Macek, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros. Their first step was a month-long break from basketball to recover from the grueling season.

This proved the most challenging aspect of the program, as Doncic initially disagreed. However, he soon found alternative activities, focusing on weight training to improve overall strength. He also filled his time with pickleball and padel. These sports not only reminded him of his childhood but also developed new muscles, reduced knee stress, and strengthened his adductors, glutes, and ankles.

In June, Doncic adopted intermittent fasting to reduce inflammation and aid recovery. Six days a week, he consumed two protein-rich meals and a protein shake, delaying his first meal until after his 90-minute morning workout.

Doncic during a morning speed drill. Photo: Mens Health

Doncic during a morning speed drill. Photo: Mens Health

In the gym, Doncic's team focused on his legs and deceleration. While pure speed has never been his greatest strength, few peers can match his balance and change of pace. He’s willing to charge forward only to stop abruptly, throwing opponents off balance to set up his drive. This requires exceptional muscle flexibility for eccentric contractions.

Throughout July, Macek and Barrio honed this "superpower" with resistance band exercises from various angles. Doncic’s fitness was further challenged with hurdle runs and sprints through obstacles between sessions. Macek also used resistance bands around Doncic’s ankles, pushing him to move in a straight line, developing his glutes and lung capacity.

Doncic’s most anticipated moment came at the end of each session, when he practiced ball-handling drills, from dribbling and catching to shooting. He hasn't played five-on-five this summer, so he’s unsure of his progress. But he feels in the best shape he's been in for years.

"My sleep, my body, everything feels lighter," Doncic said. "With my team, I think we've taken a huge step. But this is just the beginning. I need to keep working. If I stop now, it will all be meaningless."

Vy Anh