The Dallas Mavericks traded NBA superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
Mavericks CEO Makes Feelings on Luka Doncic Clear After Change in Physical Appearance originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Luka Doncic is entering the next phase of his career in perhaps the best shape of his life. The 26-year-old guard, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, has undergone a dramatic physical transformation this offseason. He was recently featured on the cover of Men’s Health, where he detailed a strict regimen that includes his workout routine and daily diet.
His physical turnaround comes just months after reports from sources like ESPN’s Tim MacMahon cited Doncic’s conditioning as a key factor in the Mavericks' decision to trade him. The Mavericks were reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with Doncic’s lack of fitness and felt his lifestyle wasn’t matching the demands of a franchise player. That frustration ultimately led to one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.
Amid reports about Doncic’s improved physical health, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts addressed the controversial move during an appearance on Bloomberg Television. Speaking on the aftermath of the trade, Welts said:
“You can’t have fears or regrets in this business, it’s all about how you move forward. …I learned about the depth of the connection between Mavericks fans and this team.”
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts on if the team regrets trading Luka Dončić:
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) July 30, 2025
“You can’t have fears or regrets in this business, it’s all about how you move forward. …I learned about the depth of the connection between Mavericks fans and this team.” #MFFL
(🎥: @BloombergTV) pic.twitter.com/FTbTo8jbzb
The executive emphasized that the organization made the decision with long-term goals in mind and that everyone in the front office is focused on building a new foundation without Doncic. He also noted that the Slovenian superstar will remain a big part of the franchise’s history.
Doncic, meanwhile, appears motivated to prove that the Mavericks made a mistake. In his Men’s Health interview, he said, “If I stop now… it was all for nothing,” highlighting his commitment to sustained change and elite performance. His offseason transformation has already generated buzz among Lakers fans, who are hoping the best version of Doncic is still ahead.
Time will tell how Dallas will fare post-Doncic. But for now, both sides are moving forward—with very different visions for the future.
Related: Luka Doncic Report Emerges After Marcus Smart News
Related: Luka Doncic Silences Questions About NBA Future With Lakers Message
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
