“LeBron, alley oop to Luka” – Lakers fans react as Luka Doncic seemingly looks slimmer in meet-up with $3.8B Spanish giants president 

Luka Doncic seems to be putting in the work this offseason. On Saturday, the LA Lakers superstar went viral after linking up with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, the $3.8B Spanish businessman who runs the soccer and basketball club in the European nation. Doncic, who spent time with Madrid as a pro before his NBA debut, was courtside for the team’s clash against Granada.

The five-time All-Star’s conditioning issues have been well-documented. It was reportedly among the most prominent reasons why the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded him to the Lakers before the trade deadline. After LA’s surprise exit in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, coach JJ Redick also hinted that a few of his players had to get in championship shape.

While he didn’t pinpoint Doncic, many presumed that the remarks were for him after an underwhelming output in the second halves of the five games the Lakers played against Minnesota.

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However, Doncic's latest pics have sent Lakers fans into a frenzy. Fans "seemingly" believed he had lost weight nearly a month into the

Here are some reactions:

Here's what one fan wrote:

Lakers Better

@https://x.com/LakersBetter

“lebron, alley oop to luka”

One fan tweeted:

AmadSzn

@https://x.com/AbsoluteAmad

League needs to get ready

Another added:

TitoToro

@https://x.com/TitoToro_

Barely recognize him

One fan said:

Helluva Ball Club

@https://x.com/Letweet23

Dang he slimmed down hella 😱

Lakers' Luka Doncic has reportedly begun to "clean slate" amid conditioning woes

Luka Doncic joined the Lakers while nursing a calf injury. He made his debut after being out of action for nearly two months. Doncic was a shadow of himself until the All-Star break. However, he didn't entirely resolve his conditioning issues.

While dealing with the mental setback of being forced out of Dallas, the situation didn't fully align for Doncic despite him reiterating that he was growing comfortable in LA. Doncic and the Lakers' first offseason ended in disappointment after a first-round exit. However, the Slovenian wasted no time in beginning a clean slate.

According to Lakers coach JJ Redick's podcast producer Jason Gallagher, Doncic's "mindset" is already on changing his routine this offseason.

"I’ve heard from folks that are pretty honest about the conditioning stuff or whatever that Luka has already like begun to clean slate, like starting anew. He’s already like in this mindset of changing a lot about himself. Now, I’ve heard it before, but not from specific people that have been critical of him."

Doncic came close to winning his first championship last year but lost in the NBA Finals to the Celtics. An unexpected trade put him out of contention in a few months, but he should be motivated to prove his doubters wrong and lead the Lakers to a record 18th title. Working on his conditioning is the first of many steps in the right direction, and the team's fanbase will be excited for the next chapter.

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About the author

Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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