Is Luka Doncic gaining weight again? Well, that’s the question most of the fans have asked after Goran Dragic’s viral farewell game. Viral for all the wrong reasons. The Mavs talisman is facing weight-gain allegations yet again! This isn’t the first time his physique has been put into question, but it seems quite strange after coming off a season in which he maintained great shape initially.

Now, looking back at the previous offseason, the Dallas Mavericks weren’t very confident in themselves after shockingly failing to qualify for the postseason. This led to Luka Doncic leaving no stone unturned, as the Slovenian worked as hard as he could! From the outside, it seems like the veteran has faced quite a mixed bag of reactions to his fitness over the years. Let’s roll back the calendar.

Luka Doncic powered through more than 100 games in less than a year!

Fans and critics were anticipating witnessing a ‘skinny’ or ‘lean Luka’ on the floor before the start of the 2023-24 season. And guess what? Doncic delivered as well as he could. He played in the FIBA World Championship followed by a 70-game regular season, 22 games in the playoffs, and then carried his country in the OQT. In short, he played more than 100 games in less than a year! Not only that but fans were actually relieved to watch Slovenia’s elimination, as Luka would finally get to rest.

At the end of the day, Luka Doncic did get enough rest and may have put on some weight, as seen in the viral videos. But this offseason shouldn’t be much of a regret. Besides, we’re only halfway through the offseason and the Slovenian still has time to get back in shape.

The break that Doncic took after the Tokyo Olympics

During the Tokyo Olympics, Luka Doncic may have taken quite some time off the court, as he would go on to admit, “I had a long summer. I had the Olympics, took 3 weeks off, and I relaxed a little bit. Maybe too much. I’ve just got to get back on track,” he said. And he did get back on track. In the very next postseason, he led the Mavs to their first Conference Finals in 11 years.

This goes on to tell us that Doncic might have started that season in not the best shape but improved his physique through the year, shutting the mouth of every critic out there, despite initial concerns.

Quite frankly, he isn’t the only one to have done this. Back when James Harden played for the Rockets, he would start the season in somewhat of a decent shape. Though, as the season went on, The Beard never failed to deliver, while maintaining a desirable physique. Not to mention, he also won his first MVP in that unbelievable season in Houston.

Responding to Twitteratis

Just a year before mentioning the above comment, Luka Doncic was in a similar phase of tension. The Slovenian was getting bashed on X for having gained some weight. For the most part, the hoops talisman had nowhere to go except for the fact that he had to respond to the online comments. “I mean, people on Twitter say every stuff. But, it’s true I’m not in my best shape. I will get there for sure. But, you know, I’ve never been a muscular guy, so what can I say?”, Doncic admitted.

Luka believed in the process, as the Mavs went on to qualify for the playoffs, facing their then-postseason rivals, the Clippers. Sadly, Dallas wouldn’t move past the seven-game series, but it was only added motivation for Luka Doncic. Nevertheless, as the Slovenian stands at a similar spot in the present day, what is next for Luka Magic?

Luka Doncic and the Mavs are favorites to win it all: 2024-25 season

The Mavericks are the second favorite team to win the Championship next season. And why not? Their new addition explains it all. Klay Thompson will play a key role in next year’s run. Thompson and Irving were recently seen working out early alongside the rest of the Mavericks squad, even though their training camp is still a few weeks away. The two are determined to get things done, however, Luka Doncic is yet to return.

At this point, the Dallas Mavericks have a legitimate chance to win a title after more than a decade, and their leader should look to capitalize. With three All-Stars and two of the most talented scorers on the team, they’re a major threat in the West. Teams like the Wolves, the Nuggets, and the Thunder might stand their way, but Doncic and Co. have already proved to be better against all.

It will be intriguing to watch the newly formed Mavs roster in action this fall, as they aim for the top seed in the West. Then again, that wouldn’t be their only goal. What are your thoughts on Luka Doncic’s physique? Do you think the Slovenian can get back in shape before October?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.