Los Angeles Lakers fans just got their first glimpse of Luka Doncic since his season ended, and he looks completely different.
Los Angeles Lakers fans haven't had a lot of team-related news since their first-round exit until now. In one of the first glimpses we've seen of Luka Dončić since being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, he looks noticeably slimmer.
Dončić became known for not having the typical NBA body and having a questionable diet, which led the Dallas Mavericks to trade him. It also inspired arguably the greatest sports chant of the last 25 years, "He ain't fat, bring him back!" from upset Mavericks fans post-trade.
Fortunately for the Lakers, he looks like he's in great shape before the real start of the summer. If he can maintain his new look, then that could potentially spell trouble for the rest of the league. Dončić actually being in shape is a terrifying thought that could put the Lakers back in title contention next season.
An in-shape Luka Dončić is just what the Lakers need
Even though he is among the top five players in the NBA in terms of talent, some—namely Mavs GM Niko Harrison—thought that he was coasting on his elite talent. However, being paired with LeBron James, who got the most out of his talent by staying in great shape, seems to have rubbed off on Dončić.
Imagine what Dončić will play like if he is 30 lbs lighter. I'm sure the Lakers would like to see, and if his most recent sighting is any indication, they could soon happen. Doncic will play for Slovenia in EuroBasket in late August. That will hopefully help him maintain his conditioning ahead of the season, which starts roughly a month after EuroBasket ends.
Can the Lakers contend with Dončić next season?
The Lakers have the potential to be a great team, but they will need to make some moves this summer. That starts with whether they can convince LeBron to take a pay cut. That would enable them to have access to their full $14.1 million mid-level exception.
Having that tool at their disposal would be a huge deal, considering that it would give them enough to potentially lure centers such as Clint Capela and/or Brook Lopez to come to L.A. Having them would help solve their front-court problems that resulted in them being prematurely eliminated in the playoffs.
Solving their big-man problems without giving up a first-round pick, which they would've done in the rescinded Mark Williams trade, would be big. Both of those big men are good defenders who could help the Lakers defensively while covering for Dončić's shortcomings on that end.
Offensively, a well-conditioned Dončić could go from being an MVP candidate-level player to actually being an MVP, assuming the Lakers are up to snuff.
All in all, the Lakers have the potential to be great, but could use more buy-in from Dončić. Based on the early offseason returns, he looks like he is taking care of his body in preparation for a big year next season.