Nate McMillan says Doncic’s offseason dedication mirrors MJ’s iconic response to adversity

Mark J. TerrillAP

Luka Doncic has always dazzled with his on-court brilliance, but it’s his recent body transformation that’s now commanding attention, even from seasoned NBA figures.

Among the many taking notice is Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan, who drew a powerful comparison between Doncic‘s evolution and one of the most legendary transitions in basketball history: Michael Jordan‘s early-career transformation in response to the bruising Detroit Pistons.

During an appearance on The Sports Shop with Reese + KMac, McMillan explained why Doncic’s offseason changes aren’t just cosmetic, they’re strategic.

“He (Doncic) looks fantastic and with everything that’s happened in the past year, it’s a challenge for him. And I’ve seen this before in the NBA. … It’s just like Michael (Jordan), Michael makes the comment years ago that the Pistons just beat him up. So, he had to get into the weight room. It’s the same thing with Luka,” McMillan said.

Game Recap: Lynx vs. Storm (8/5/25)

-01:51

Echoes of greatness: Following MJ’s blueprint

Jordan‘s decision to bulk up in the early ’90s after years of playoff beatdowns by Detroit’s “Bad Boys” is legendary.

The change paved the way for six championships and altered the trajectory of NBA history. According to McMillan, Doncic is undergoing a similarly pivotal shift.

“You’ve played a certain way for a number of years and been successful doing it,” McMillan said.

“But if you want to continue to improve and be one of the great players in this game, you have to continue to improve your game and work on your game and work on your body.”

This summer, Doncic stunned fans by debuting a visibly leaner and more muscular frame, leading to viral buzz across social media.

An Instagram clip of the 6-foot-7 star casually squatting 720 pounds only intensified the excitement. His appearance on the cover of Men’s Health further confirmed that the transformation was the result of a rigorous regimen focused on diet, conditioning, and mental preparation.

The timing of Doncic‘s overhaul aligns with his midseason move to the Los Angeles Lakers. After years of being the focal point in Dallas, Luka now shares the spotlight, and the pressure, with one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

With MVP buzz swirling and a potential massive contract extension on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Former NBA players like Kendrick Perkins have already tipped Doncic as a frontrunner for next season’s MVP race, citing his improved stamina and focus.

MORE in MARCA

Caitlin Clark’s reaction to her Indiana Pacers best friend Tyrese Haliburton’s engagement to Jade Jones | MarcaMARCA

Indiana Fever fans criticize Sophie Cunningham over Caitlin Clark ‘disrespect’ | MarcaMARCA

While some fans are nostalgic for the slightly scrappier version of Doncic, it’s clear the 26-year-old is embracing the kind of transformation that separates stars from legends.

If his trajectory continues on this path, Doncic may not just be following in Jordan’s footsteps, he could be carving out his own legacy of greatness.