Luka Doncic's Teammate Says Lakers Star is 'Faster and Jumps More' After Losing Weight

One of Luka Dončić's teammates on the Slovenian national team has noticed a clear difference with the Los Angeles Lakers star's new, slimmer frame.

Slovenian forward Edo Murić told BasketNews' Pijus Sapetka that Dončić is "faster and jumps more." He also suggested the five-time All-Star will be "the best version of himself."

Slovenian guard Aleksej Nikolić chimed in to tell Sapetka is "in a lot better shape."

Dončić attacked this offseason with a renewed focus and put an emphasis on improving his conditioning. It earned him a glossy profile in Men's Health.

Even before he entered the NBA, Dončić's lack of raw athleticism stood out, and some wondered whether it would limit his ceiling in the pros. That obviously hasn't been the case as he was an All-Star and first-team All-NBA honoree in his second year.

Still, the concerns over his conditioning didn't totally fade, and they were a factor behind his blockbuster trade to L.A. from the Dallas Mavericks. He has battled minor injuries throughout his career, and he could be the kind of star who begins to decline a little earlier than expected.

The way in which Dončić tailored his summer regimen indirectly justified some points the Mavs tried to get across to him.

But now the Lakers stand to benefit from how Luka's more toned physique translates on the court.

The men's EuroBasket will give NBA fans an idea of what to expect in the year ahead. Slovenia plays five games in the group stage, the first of which is Aug. 28 against Poland.

Even if the county doesn't make a deep run in the tournament, it could serve as a great showcase for Dončić.