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For years, Luka Dončić has been one of the NBA’s most dominant forces—even when carrying extra weight. Critics often targeted his conditioning, but the numbers tell a different story.

In the 2023-24 season, Dončić averaged a jaw-dropping 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game while finishing third in MVP voting. Even during his “heavier” years, Dončić was a lock for All-NBA First Team and consistently among the league leaders in advanced metrics like usage rate, box plus-minus, and offensive win shares.

However, the concern wasn’t just aesthetics — it was sustainability:

He’s played 70+ games only twice in his first seven NBA seasons.

There were questions about his defensive effort, especially in transition and lateral quickness.

And in high-leverage playoff moments, fatigue occasionally seemed to catch up, even as he carried Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Despite all that, Luka still produced like a generational talent. So the real question heading into 2025-26 isn’t can Dončić perform? It’s what happens when he’s in the best shape of his life?

The New Luka Dončić: Body Transformation, New Team, MVP Trajectory

Now in his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić enters the 2025-26 season with a completely reshaped body and a fully reloaded mindset.

This won’t just be an MVP season. This is going to be a generational run that will be talked about as we grow old.

Luka Doncic actually looks like a different man. 💪
pic.twitter.com/YEPnSxcLtt

— SleeperLakers (@SleeperLakers) July 30, 2025

After suffering a Christmas Day calf injury and playing just 50 games in 2024-25, he told Men’s Health that he was motivated to transform his physique — and it shows. With a noticeable cut in body fat and a leaner frame, Dončić may be unlocking another level of his game:

Key Benefits of Dončić’s Transformation:

• Durability & Stamina: A lighter frame could mean fewer soft-tissue injuries and stronger late-season performance.
• Defensive Mobility: Slimmer Luka may finally silence critics on defense, where his lateral movement has historically lagged.
• Quickness & Athleticism: Though never a high-flier, Luka’s improved agility could lead to better drives, finishes, and close-outs.
• Mental Sharpness: His offseason grind reflects a renewed mental focus, which former players like Kendrick Perkins cite as an MVP signal.

Perkins recently said:

“We ain’t looking at the chubby, fat Luka…We looking at skinny Luka. I saw his jawline…He is my early pick for MVP…We are about to get the best version of Luka Dončić.”

What are the expectations for ‘Skinny Luka’?@kendrickperkins says “He is my early pick for MVP” pic.twitter.com/hBvFH6G73O

— Road Trippin’ Show🎧 (@RoadTrippinPod) July 29, 2025

Perkins is not alone. Luka currently sits third in MVP odds (+650) behind only Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In other words, the league knows what’s coming.

READ MORE: Luka Dončić Not Among Top 15 Highest-Paid NBA Players in 2025

Prediction: Is Dončić the 2026 MVP?

Yes – if he stays healthy. Here’s why his MVP case is as strong as ever:

• Elite stats (he’s done it before)
• High availability (targeting 70+ games)
• Defensive engagement (should improve)
• Team success (Lakers were No. 3 seed last season)

In 2024-25, even in limited action, he still averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while shooting nearly 37% from three. With new additions like Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers are geared for depth and support — setting Dončić up for success.

And let’s not forget: Luka has finished in the top 8 in MVP voting in five of his first seven seasons. This isn’t new territory – this is unfinished business.