Luka Doncic is entering the 2025-26 NBA season with a transformed physique, a sharpened mindset, and a body sculpted by one of the most intense offseason regimens of his career. After a disappointing playoff exit and ongoing criticism about his conditioning, the Los Angeles Lakers star has answered with results that now grace the cover of Men’s Health magazine.
Gone is the narrative of the “dad bod.” In its place stands a leaner, stronger, and more disciplined Luka, one who might be on the cusp of winning his first MVP.
Central to Doncic’s dramatic transformation is a strict dietary plan that revolves around 16-hour intermittent fasting, a gluten- and sugar-free diet, and an eye-popping daily intake of at least 250 grams of protein.
His meals are confined to an 8-hour window, between noon and 8 PM, with no caloric intake from 8:30 PM until noon the next day. Every morning, he begins his first 90-minute workout completely fasted, a strategy aimed at reducing inflammation and optimizing fat burning.
Doncic consumes his protein through a mix of lean animal products, mostly eggs and chicken and no-sugar, low-carb protein shakes made with almond milk. His nutritional intake is also rich in omega-3s, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts, berries, and leafy greens.
He snacks on fruits for dessert and includes generous portions of vegetables to replenish key vitamins lost during rigorous training sessions.
But it’s not just what Luka eats, it’s how he eats. His team of wellness experts, including trainer Anze Macek, physiotherapist Javier Barrio, and nutritionist Lucía Almendros, designed his macro plan around his training demands.
Carbohydrates are strategically added only on intense workout days or in-game scenarios. Otherwise, he minimizes carb intake to reduce inflammation and promote lean muscle development.
This offseason, Doncic also took a drastic but necessary step, he didn’t touch a basketball for an entire month. Instead, he focused on cross-training through footwork-based sports like pickleball and padel, which improved his balance and preserved his joints.
When he returned to basketball drills in June, he incorporated resistance band workouts and sprint-hurdle sessions to enhance his deceleration and core control.
That mindset is already turning heads in the Lakers’ front office. With two years left on his current deal, including a player option, Doncic is expected to sign a four-year, $222 million extension on August 2. If his new physique leads to improved stamina, fewer injuries, and even better performances, it could go down as the best investment the Lakers have made since LeBron James arrived.
As the new season approaches, Luka Doncic is not just lighter on his feet, he’s heavier on expectations.
