Luka Doncic’s New ‘Slim & Dapper’ Look Impresses Dirk Nowitzki: “He Looks Ready to Go”

Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic’s new look blew away ex-teammate, Dirk Nowitzki, after massively slimming down.

Luka Doncic’s New ‘Slim & Dapper’ Look Impresses Dirk Nowitzki: “He Looks Ready to Go”

Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic (Image credits - Forbes and Yahoo Sports)

Ex-Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki share a very good relationship with each other. They played one season together in Dallas when Doncic was in his rookie season and Nowitzki was playing the final season of his career.

It was the perfect passing of the torch moment as Nowitzki was the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, while Doncic was touted to take over the reigns as the future face. The Slovenian star showed that he had what it takes to carry the franchise after leading them to an NBA Final in 2024. Unfortunately, things fell apart soon after.

After six seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, the front office traded their prized asset to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline last year. The move was considered to be one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.

However, Doncic has found his home in LA and is entering his second full season with them looking like a new man. During an interview with FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Nowitzki was asked about his former teammate’s new appearance.

Oh, he looks clean. I gotta say. He looks clean. He looks tan, he looks slim, he looks ready to go!

Dirk Nowitzki via FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth

After missing the entire playoffs last season due to injury, it looks like Doncic is more than just ready heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Nowitzki’s comments came as Doncic was seen sporting a new look during Lakers’ summer training in Slovenia.

The Lakers guard looked slimmer than ever and his new dapper hairstyle drew comparisons to a young Nowitzki. The former MVP has always been a supporter of Doncic and could not hide his approval when asked about Doncic’s fresh appearance.

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Dirk Nowitzki believes Luka Doncic is going to have a great season

Doncic has remained the centerpiece of the Lakers ever since he joined them last year. Last season, he was the scoring champion and came fourth in the MVP race as he led the Lakers to a fourth place finish in the Western Conference standings. He averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 64 appearances.

'Skinny' Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Image via Polymarket Hoops/X)

Heading into the new campaign, Dirk Nowitzki has no doubts that Doncic is going to have a great season if he stays healthy.

The Lakers also went through some changes… made some nice moves that is gonna make them better. Luka looked incredible there. I saw him there in March. If he’s healthy and ready to go, he’s gonna have a great season for sure.

Dirk Nowitzki via FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth

With the Lakers undergoing a lot of changes in terms of ownership, they have made a number of changes to their roster as well.

Following LeBron James‘ departure in the summer, the front office continues to build their team around their franchise player.

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Kevon Looney speaks on Luka Doncic’s leadership

With James gone, Luka Doncic is not only the best player in the team, but he is now the leader of the locker room as well. He was promised by the organization that the team would be built around him and now it is up to him to lead the franchise.

Recent Lakers signing, Kevon Looney, was a part of the Lakers’ four-day training camp in Slovenia. The big man spoke highly about Doncic’s leadership and what he learned about him during the trip.

I’ve been in the league for a while, and that was my first time doing something like that. So it just shows his character, showing that he really wants to win. He’s a great player and a great leader, and he likes to show what he can do on the court. And we got to see his personality off the court. So it was great.

Kevon Looney on ESPN LA

Looney has been in the NBA for 11 years now. He was a part of three championship-winning teams during his time with the Golden State Warriors. But the veteran revealed that he never experienced anything like the training camp he just had in Slovenia.

The three-time champion believes that is a testament to Doncic’s leadership qualities and his focus heading into the new season. The Lakers get their 2026-27 season underway against the Warriors on October 21.

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