In the elite circles of the NBA, offseason transformations are usually born in high-tech weight rooms or through grueling beach sprints. But for Luka Dončić, the secret to his stunning 2025 physical overhaul wasn’t found on a basketball court—it was found in the kitchen.
Following a high-profile trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers early in 2025, Dončić faced intense scrutiny regarding his conditioning. Rather than doubling down on traditional drills, Luka and his specialized “Team Luka”—trainer Anže Maček, physiotherapist Javier Barrio, and nutritionist Lucia Almendros—implemented a radical new training pillar: Pickleball and Padel.
The “No-Basketball” Month
In a daring move that initially met resistance from the Slovenian star, his team enforced a strict 30-day ban on basketball during the month of May. The goal was simple: allow his joints to recover while keeping his competitive fire alive.
To fill the void, Dončić turned to racket sports. Pickleball, in particular, became more than just a hobby; it became a functional training tool that addressed the specific physical critiques that had followed him for years.
“He disagreed at first,” trainer Anže Maček shared with Men’s Health. “But he found a distraction in pickleball. It challenged new muscles and took the pressure off his knees while strengthening his adductors and ankles through constant, lateral footwork.”
Why Pickleball Translated to the Court
Analysts have been quick to note that the “Pickleball Transformation” directly mimics the skill set that makes Luka a generational talent:
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Deceleration & Balance: Pickleball is a game of “stop and go.” The constant weight shifting helped Dončić hone his signature ability to decelerate on drives, a trait his team calls “eccentric force.“
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Hand-Eye Coordination: The fast-paced nature of the “kitchen” (the non-volley zone in pickleball) sharpened his reflexes and peripheral vision.
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Low-Impact Agility: Unlike the vertical jumping required in basketball, pickleball emphasized lateral quickness and “staying low,” which has visibly improved Dončić’s defensive slide this season.
The Results: A “Leaner, Meaner” Luka
By the time training camp arrived, the results were undeniable. Dončić appeared for media day with a significantly slimmer frame, the product of his racket-sport cardio combined with a gluten-free, low-sugar diet and intermittent fasting.
| Stat / Feature | 2024 Offseason | 2025 “Pickleball” Offseason |
| Primary Focus | Basketball / Cardio | Strength / Agility / Racket Sports |
| Conditioning | Heavily scrutinized | Peak physical condition |
| Mental State | Fatigued | Rejuvenated / “Revenge Mindset” |
The Global Impact
Dončić’s embrace of the sport has done more than just fix his fitness; it has “legitimized” pickleball for a new generation of athletes. Seeing a 6-foot-7 superstar credit a backyard sport for his stamina has turned “glorified ping pong” into a serious cross-training contender.
As Luka continues his first full season in the Purple and Gold, the “Pickleball Transformation” remains the foundation of his success. He isn’t just playing faster; he’s playing smarter, proving that sometimes the best way to get better at your job is to step away from the desk—and pick up a paddle.
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