Doncic and Reaves Showed Physical Changes

NBA stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves revealed new physical builds during recent training updates.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball

Doncic and Reaves Showed Physical Changes

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Does physical conditioning of star players significantly improve your local team's chances of winning?

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic appeared significantly leaner in October 2026, while Lakers guard Austin Reaves showcased increased muscle mass. Both players entered the new season with noticeably altered physical conditioning.

Why it matters

Changes in player conditioning often signal a focus on durability and performance optimization as athletes look to sustain high levels of play throughout the long NBA schedule.

Austin Reaves added an estimated 8 to 10 pounds of muscle through intensified gym training. At 27 years old, Luka Doncic also debuted a leaner physique in October 2026 compared to his build in February 2025.

The players

Luka Doncic

He is a 27-year-old professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks who is widely recognized as one of the top talents in the NBA.

Austin Reaves

He is a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers known for his development from an undrafted free agent into a key contributor for the franchise.

The details

Luka Doncic underwent a significant body transformation over the offseason, resulting in a leaner appearance captured in a photo from Slovenia. Austin Reaves also transformed his game-readiness by engaging in additional gym training to build his frame.

February 2025: Luka Doncic arrived in Los Angeles.
October 2026: Doncic appeared leaner in a side-by-side photo comparison.

Season Trajectory

The league-wide trend of offseason physical transformation programs reflects the modern emphasis on longevity and specialized strength training in professional basketball. These conditioning shifts directly influence competitive balance by helping stars maintain high efficiency during intense game stretches.

Fans and fantasy managers should monitor how these added muscle mass and conditioning changes impact the players' agility and injury resilience. The adjusted builds for both Doncic and Reaves may alter their usage rates and efficiency metrics in the upcoming season rotation.

The takeaway

Players at the elite level often utilize the offseason to overhaul their physical fitness to meet the grueling demands of the sport. Consistent commitment to conditioning remains a critical pillar for maintaining a competitive advantage in a high-intensity league.