Kendrick Perkins has voiced his excitement for the Lakers following the transformative offseason of Luka Doncic, who recently made headlines for his impressive physical changes. The trade that brought Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks is still fresh in fans’ minds, and Perkins believes this move could reshape the future of the franchise.
Perkins, who had been critical of Doncic in the past, noted that he has noticeably slimmed down and improved his physique. The retired player and current analyst remarked, “Not chubby Luka… but skinny Luka. You seen him? He broke the internet today.” His comments reflect a shift in perception, as he lauds Doncic’s commitment to getting into shape and addressing weaknesses in his game.
The Lakers made the bold decision to trade for Doncic, seeing immense potential in a player of his caliber. Perkins suggests that Doncic’s offseason motivation comes from the criticism he has received and his desire to prove his doubters wrong. He draws parallels to his time with Kevin Garnett, who emphasized using criticism as a driving force for improvement.
With the addition of Doncic, alongside LeBron James and rising star Austin Reaves, the Lakers are positioned for a competitive season ahead. The front office has also strengthened the team by acquiring former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and defensive-minded guard Marcus Smart, indicating their commitment to success in the Western Conference.
Perkins considers Doncic a frontrunner for the MVP award if his offseason transformation translates onto the court, raising optimism among Lakers fans. As the new season approaches, the work Doncic has put in during the offseason could pose challenges for opposing teams, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign ahead.
Overall, the excitement surrounding Doncic’s transformation serves as a hopeful sign not only for Lakers supporters but for basketball enthusiasts looking forward to a thrilling season.