An NBA expert has credited LeBron James for Luka Doncic’s incredible body transformation this summer.
Doncic was on the cover of Men’s Health magazine after losing weight and gaining muscle this offseason. He was criticised by his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, who claimed to have traded him due to his fitness habits.
This transformation could be a game-changer for the 2024 NBA Finalist. If he’s recaptured the athleticism from his rookie season, while maintaining his ability to control the game and play at his own speed, an MVP season could well be coming.
And an NBA expert has given credit to LeBron James for the weight loss.
Chris Broussard credits LeBron James for inspiring Luka Doncic’s body transformation
Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers teammate, James, has been the epitome of physical health for the entirety of his 22-year career.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has set a new bar for longevity, and was a top-10 player in the league last season aged 40. Only now is James contemplating retirement.
James is famous for the way he looks after his body. He has invested millions into his diet and workouts. Speaking on First Things First, NBA analyst Chris Broussard attributed it to Doncic’s new attitude.
He said, “Shout out to LeBron James. I know in the article [Doncic] said [Michael Jordan] and Kobe [Bryant] were an inspiration for him to work hard, but clearly, and we both said this when he went to the Lakers, he should benefit from playing with LeBron.
“I think he looked at LeBron, and said, ‘Okay, this guy’s got all the natural talent in the world. This guy’s big and strong, naturally gifted, fast, everything.
“And on top of that he’s not just doing the typical NBA workout. He’s going above and beyond, and that’s how he’s become so great. If I want to get there, I’m going to have to go above and beyond.’
“I think the example LeBron set for him has really paid off for the Lakers and Luka.”
Doncic was clearly inspired by the Mavericks’ statements about him after the trade. He took a jab at Dallas after the article came out. But having James in his locker room as inspiration is invaluable.
LA Lakers are leading contenders for the NBA championship, says Chris Broussard
Despite a rocky offseason for the Lakers, which almost saw James leave LA, they have pieced together a solid roster led by one of the best duos in the league.
Broussard went on to say with Doncic in this shape, the Lakers are in the leading pack for this season’s title.
He said, “If this is Luka, if he does come back looking like he did in that magazine in that kind of shape, the Lakers are a real threat.
I’m moving them up, and I know the tier is heavy, because it’s got OKC, Denver and Houston. But I see no reason, assuming LeBron can still be a top 12 player, why they can’t win it.
“Why can’t they? Luka was great last year. Overweight, coming off an injury and heartbroken to be traded. He still was great. If he’s in this type of shape, and you did get DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, I think they have enough where they have a legitimate chance.
“If Luka is better than ever, which he should be if this is true.”
Doncic didn’t perform to expectations last season. He admitted he was heartbroken about the trade, and he was injured when the move was made.
Now, after a full offseason of recovery, he looks to go one further than he did in 2024 and win the title with one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.