In the age of AI-generated summaries and viral misinformation, even NBA superstars aren’t immune to digital mix-ups. Case in point: a recent claim that Luka Dončić recorded a 42-inch vertical leap at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. A stat that would place him among the league’s most explosive athletes. The only problem? He wasn’t even there.
The vertical leap rumor gained traction after a Men’s Health feature chronicled Dončić’s offseason transformation. The article praised his conditioning and quoted him saying,
“This year, we didn’t measure the jumping yet… but I think it’s a little bit higher.” The piece also referenced a supposed 42-inch vertical from the 2018 Combine.
But Dončić never attended the Combine. At the time, he was still playing for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague Final Four and was exempt from Combine participation.
So where did the number come from? According to reporters and analysts, the error likely stemmed from an AI-generated summary that confused Dončić with Donte DiVincenzo, who did record a 42-inch vertical at the 2018 Combine. The similarity in names and draft year may have triggered the mix-up, which was then mistakenly cited in the Men’s Health article.
Even Sporting News initially repeated the claim before corrections were issued. Men’s Health has since removed the reference and acknowledged the error.
While Dončić isn’t known for high-flying dunks, his game is built on balance, control, and elite footwork. In fact, he recorded just one dunk during the 2024–25 season, with a vertical measured at 23.4 inches. His rookie season saw a career-high 25 dunks, but he’s never been a volume leaper.
That said, Dončić’s offseason transformation, led by Team Luka’s nutritionist and trainers, has improved his agility, stamina, and explosiveness. Whether his vertical has increased remains unverified, but fans can expect a leaner, sharper version of the Lakers star this season.
