Luka Dončić Is Turning Heads, And Cashing In

There’s a lot of Luka Dončić buzz these days, and rightfully so.

Not only did the Lakers superstar turn heads in a profile over at Men’s Health, where he looked lean, and seemingly have made his weight issues a thing of the past, he’s also widely expected to sign a four-year max extension with Los Angeles on August 2nd, the very moment he’s eligible to do so.

The body transformation

It’s important to note that Dončić has been extremely effective, regardless of the body type he’s had. The superstar has been an annual MVP candidate, and has averaged 31.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.6 assists over the past three seasons.

However, there have been numerous moments wherein Dončić has looked slow, and his large frame has had defensive issues as a direct result of it.

Now, the Slovenian guard has changed his approach. Gone is the dad bod, and a muscled, lean physique is what’s left. Presumably that will mean more speed, a quicker change of direction, and more energy to assert himself defensively.

If Dončić’s new emphasis on health will carry over to the floor, which it should given that that’s the whole point, there is a world wherein the Lakers finish higher in the standings than perhaps expected, just as there’s a chance Dončić finally wins his first MVP.

And, yes, we probably can’t avoid to mention the Mavericks in all of this, seeing as they are probably the motivation behind this change.

Dallas, allegedly, spent weeks after the trade leaking stories about Dončić’s lack of professionalism in regards to keeping his body healthy. Some might be inclined to say those stories were outright fat-shaming, but whatever the case, Dončić seemed to take it personally – as he should.

The extension

It makes sense for the Lakers to offer Dončić a max $229 million extension as soon as possible, but does it make sense for Dončić to accept it?

The Lakers, after all, don’t have a secondary star lined up for the 26-year-old for when LeBron James retires.

James, who will be 41 this season, surely isn’t long for the roster, and while Austin Reaves is around for now, his contractual situation is also up in the air.

While many will argue the Lakers can easily acquire stars, especially as Dončić should be a huge draw, it’s important to note that the league has shifted in many ways. Stars rarely enter free agency anymore, with most moving around via trade.

The Lakers don’t have oodles of trade assets, which means it’s fair to ask how exactly they’re planning on providing Dončić with help for when James is gone.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a team in San Antonio, that might be able to offer Dončić a max contract, and a Tier 1 running mate in the form of Victor Wembanyama, next offseason. That situation should, by all accounts, be attractive to anyone, but Wembanyama might genuinely be the perfect fit for Dončić specifically, and vice versa.

Do note that is pure speculation, but given that the Lakers are bit of a question mark moving forward, it makes sense if that’s something Dončić and his team is aware of.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.