LOS ANGELES, CA – In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks traded their star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2025. The blockbuster deal saw the Mavericks receive forward-center Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, while the Utah Jazz facilitated the trade by acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
The trade, regarded as one of the most significant and unexpected in NBA history, marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were exchanged midseason. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, stating, “I believe that defense wins championships.”
Upon joining the Lakers, Dončić made headlines not just for the trade but for his noticeable physical transformation. Addressing the media at Crypto.com Arena, he revealed the secret behind his weight loss: Ozempic.
“I just got tired of seeing all the memes,” Dončić admitted, scrolling through his phone to reveal an edited photo of himself with Charles Barkley’s physique. “I mean, come on. I had one ankle sprain, not an all-you-can-eat buffet tour.”
The Slovenian superstar, known for his elite scoring ability and occasional offseason love for Eastern European cuisine, has long been the subject of debates regarding his conditioning. But after the trade and his subsequent slimmed-down appearance, speculation ran wild—was it just a new training regimen, or something more?
Now, Dončić is confirming the rumors: the secret wasn’t diet or extra cardio but rather a trendy diabetes drug turned celebrity weight-loss miracle.
“I saw all these influencers and actors using Ozempic, and I thought, why not? If it’s good enough for Hollywood, it’s good enough for me,” Dončić said, casually sipping what reporters could only assume was a protein shake and definitely not a Nutella latte. “I’ve never felt lighter—except when I flopped against Patrick Beverley last year.”
Mark Cuban on Trading Away “Skinny Luka”
Back in Dallas, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison had no regrets about the trade—except maybe one.
“I just wish he got on Ozempic before we traded him,” Harrison lamented. “If I had known he was about to become Slovenian Kobe, I might’ve asked for more picks.”
Harrison also dismissed rumors that he attempted to cancel the trade upon seeing Dončić’s new physique.
“Look, I love Luka. But this team is built around… well, I don’t know anymore. But we’ll figure it out. Maybe Max Christie can gain 20 pounds and start playing like Dirk.”
Lakers Teammates React
LeBron James, who personally recruited Dončić, gave his new co-star the ultimate compliment.
“I told him, ‘Luka, you look like you could’ve played in my Heat days.’ And he was like, ‘What’s the Heat?’” LeBron recalled with a nostalgic smile. “That’s when I knew we had something special.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, now with the Mavericks, expressed skepticism about the Lakers’ front office claims that nobody knew about the trade beforehand. In an interview, Davis mentioned reaching out to LeBron James to get more insights, doubting the narrative that everyone was in the dark.
The NBA Responds
Commissioner Adam Silver, who has been busy dealing with load management controversies and Draymond Green’s latest ejection spree, issued a brief statement on Dončić’s revelation.
“The league does not regulate prescription medications unless they are explicitly performance-enhancing,” Silver said. “And let’s be honest—if Ozempic could make someone play like Luka, we’d have 30 teams full of MVP candidates.”
What’s Next for Luka?
Despite the newfound attention, Dončić insists his weight-loss journey won’t change who he is.
“I’m still the same Luka. I still love basketball, I still love my teammates, and I still love Slovenian sausage,” he said. “I just love it in smaller portions now.”
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Dončić—not just for his dazzling step-back threes, but to see if his secret weapon keeps him moving at MVP speed. And if not? Well, at least he has a backup career in pharmaceutical endorsements.
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