Luka Doncic has been involved in various offseason conversations following the Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While some have been positive, many have been centered around the 26-year-old’s weaknesses on the hardwood.
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On Friday, Doncic, who nearly averaged a triple-double with the Lakers (28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists), received a massive wake-up call after getting criticized by a popular NBA analyst.
“I think that any leader, any champion, would tell you, if the issue involving you is that you’re not in shape (referring to Doncic), if conditioning is a question mark, that’s lacking leadership,” Stephen A. Smith said on First Take. “There’s no way around it.”
“I have never ever in any sport encountered somebody that said you could lead. Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
“When you are a great player devoid of a championship and your conditioning is a factor, that’s a leadership issue.”
Smith isn’t the only individual who’s called Doncic out for his poor conditioning.
Although Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t mention Doncic’s name in his postgame interview on Apr. 30 (following Los Angeles’ season-ending loss to the Timberwolves), one could infer that Redick’s ‘championship shape’ comment was a direct shot toward the flawed 6-foot-6 superstar.
To make matters worse, the Lakers posted a job opening for a Head Strength and Conditioning coach in May, which, again, could be perceived as a substantial diss to Doncic.
The good news is that recent photos suggest the former Dallas Mavericks phenom has taken the necessary steps to improve his fitness.
Doncic appears slimmer and prepared to take fewer plays off next year.
A healthier and more engaged Doncic will likely enable the five-time All-Star to assume a leadership role with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season.