Luka Doncic shows up fit for the Lakers while Anthony Davis raises concerns in Dallas

The NBA hasn’t tipped off the 2025–26 season yet, but Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis are already at the center of one of the most talked-about debates. Six months ago, both stars switched teams in a deal that shook the league. But what’s making noise now isn’t their jerseys—it’s their bodies.

Luka Doncic, now wearing purple and gold, surprised everyone on the Lakers’ first day of training camp with a noticeably leaner and more toned physique. The Slovenian, previously criticized for his conditioning, seems to have embraced his new role as the face of Los Angeles. His transformation was met with praise from Lakers fans, who see him as a fresh beacon of hope amid the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic)

A striking contrast

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, who landed in Dallas as part of the same trade, appeared bulkier in the team’s official photos. Though Davis has rarely faced criticism over his fitness, the added weight sparked concern among Mavericks supporters. Some attributed it to his role as a center, where physical contact is constant. Others, as noted in the Sportskeeda article, joked that GM Nico Harrison might already be second-guessing the swap for Luka Doncic.

 

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Anthony Davis also revealed he’ll be wearing protective goggles throughout the season after undergoing surgery for a detached retina. While his performance in the few games he played for Dallas was dominant, he only appeared in 11 contests, including the play-in. Questions about his durability remain unresolved.

Opposing narratives

The contrast between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis goes beyond aesthetics. It reflects two diverging storylines: the quiet reinvention of a rising star looking to solidify his legacy, and the physical uncertainty of a veteran still searching for consistency. In a league where image shapes reputation as much as stats, every detail matters.

It’s our Texas diet unfortunately. Wait till Flagg gains 20 pounds halfway into the season and Nico gets a heart attack

— danny_btw_wtf (@aDanny_btw) October 1, 2025

The season hasn’t started, but the bodies are already speaking. And in the NBA, when physique becomes symbol, the game itself takes a back seat. Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis understand that. Now it’s up to them to prove that the noise doesn’t outweigh the performance.