Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd came face-to-face with his former star, Luka Dončić, now donning the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, and looking fitter than ever.
Dončić’s offseason was anything but ordinary. After being traded by the Mavericks before the end of last season’s trade deadline, a move that reportedly left him blindsided and heartbroken, the Slovenian superstar channeled his emotions into a rigorous physical transformation this offseason. Gone was the criticism about conditioning and weight. In its place stood a leaner, stronger, and more explosive version of Dončić, ready to prove his doubters wrong.
When asked about facing the new skinny version of Luka Dončić as an opponent, Jason Kidd didn’t hold back.
“He’s on the other side. He’s gonna try to kick our butt, and we’re gonna try to kick his butt. That’s just being competitors,” Kidd said. “It’s great what Luka has done in the summer with his body. His game has gotten better… We respect what he’s done with his body. We wish him the best of luck”.
J-Kidd on Luka’s body transformation:
“It’s great what Luka has done in the summer with his body. His game has gotten better…We wish him the best of luck. He’s on the other side. He’s gonna try to kick our butt & we’re gonna try to kick his butt. That’s just being competitors.” pic.twitter.com/nGKCkCXtEk
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) October 16, 2025
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Dončić was reportedly partly driven by concerns over his fitness and leadership trajectory. But his transformation has silenced critics and reignited conversations about his potential to dominate the league.
