Luka Doncic’s transformation fuels Los Angeles Lakers revival amid echoes of Shaquille O’Neal era

The Los Angeles Lakers may have found their new era leader. Luka Doncic, now in peak physical shape, has signed a $165 million contract, committing to a long-term future with the team. His big body transformation reminded many fans of the time when Shaquille O’Neal had fitness issues years ago. People across the NBA are talking about it again. When the Los Angeles Lakers posted “The journey begins,” it felt clear—they’re starting fresh with Luka Doncic leading the way.On Saturday, July 27, the Los Angeles Lakers shared a short message on their social media: “The journey begins.” It came right after Luka Doncic signed a three-year contract worth $165 million with the team. The deal also gives Luka the choice to leave after the third year. If he does, he could sign a much bigger deal in 2028, possibly worth around $417 million, depending on the NBA rules at that time.This was not just about money. It showed that the Lakers are building their future around him. The 26 -year -old Slovenian player joined the team in February 2025 and played 33 games last season. Now he stays in the long run, and the team has made it clear - they believe in him. The Los Angeles Lakers have built their future around him.The deal came after Luka showed a massive transformation in his fitness. Photos and videos of his workouts were shared by his team and media outlets all summer. According to a report by ESPN, Luka looked slimmer and stronger than ever before.Luka Doncic’s fitness journey reminded many fans of Shaquille O’Neal, who played for the Lakers between 1996 and 2004. Back in 1999, Shaq came into training camp weighing around 340 pounds, according to Phil Jackson, the head coach at that time. He said, “All the other parameters going into it… are better served if there’s less weight.”Though Shaq led the Lakers to three championships from 2000 to 2002, his weight was often a concern. In 2004, the Lakers traded him to the Miami Heat. There, Shaq dropped about 60 pounds after team president Pat Riley demanded stricter fitness rules.Similarly, Luka’s weight was a topic of debate in Dallas before he was traded. In 2023, Tim Cato of The Athletic reported that the Mavericks had serious talks with Doncic about dropping weight.“I think I was a good basketball player back then, no matter what people say,” Luka said in a recent interview.Also Read: Mr. Beast sparks GOAT debate with 'handicapped LeBron James' twist in viral Michael Jordan one-on-one ideaNow, in August 2025, Luka is focused and possibly ready to lead the Los Angeles Lakers like never before. Whether his body can hold up throughout the NBA season remains to be seen, but the message from both sides is clear-this time, they are all together.