There’s a narrative that has persisted regarding Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, suggesting that he frequently struggles with his conditioning during the NBA seasons. This criticism dates back to his days with the Dallas Mavericks, where some speculated that his physical shape has hindered his ability to reach his full potential as a player.
Former NBA player and 2008 champion Kendrick Perkins raised an interesting point about whether Doncic’s conditioning issues could tie back to his previous relationship with former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Perkins noted Cuban’s tendency to be accommodating with his players, suggesting it may have impacted Doncic’s fitness. “Can we put a little blame on the Dallas Mavericks? Mark Cuban has a history of pacifying players,” Perkins stated.
While Perkins critiques the Mavericks organization, podcast co-host Richard Jefferson argued that Doncic should ultimately be responsible for his own conditioning. Perkins, however, believes that Doncic’s early success in Dallas may have resulted in him being overly pampered, and as a result, his conditioning has become an afterthought.
Despite the ongoing debate over Doncic’s fitness, his performance statistics tell a different story. During the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged impressive numbers—28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game—across 50 games with both the Mavericks and Lakers, indicating his skill as an elite player cannot be denied.
After being traded to Los Angeles amid discussions about his physical condition, NBA legend Dwyane Wade defended Doncic, asserting that it’s impossible for a player performing at Doncic’s level to be out of shape. Wade’s comments emphasize that Doncic’s remarkable offensive contributions have overshadowed the conditioning criticisms.
Moreover, Doncic’s remarkable abilities led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, solidifying his role as a capable leader and essential asset for his team. While Perkins raised valid points about Doncic’s previous relationship with Cuban, it seems the concerns around his conditioning may not hold as much weight when considering his overall performance and contributions.
Ultimately, Doncic’s performance illustrates that he is not only a talented player but one who can guide his team to significant achievements, suggesting that while conditioning is important, it does not detract from his capabilities on the court. Therefore, there is hope that discussions around his fitness can evolve into a focus on his tremendous skills and potential for future success.