After the Los Angeles Lakers’ deflating 103-96 season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Apr. 30, head coach JJ Redick appeared to take a jab at five-time All-Star Luka Doncic.
“I’ll start with the offseason and the work that’s required in an offseason to be in championship shape,” Redick told reporters.
“And we have a ways to go as a roster. And certainly, there are individuals that were in phenomenal shape. There’s certainly other ones that could have been in better shape. That’s where my mind goes immediately is we have to get in championship shape.”
While Redick didn’t name-drop, many believed the rookie head coach was attempting to motivate his newly acquired point guard to make significant changes to his body during the summer.
Even more embarrassingly, the Lakers recently posted a job opening for a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, indicating that Los Angeles believes they must do whatever it takes to improve Doncic’s health.
“The Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers ensures that each player has an individually designed strength and conditioning plan to promote and support his maximum performance and health maintenance,” the Lakers stated in the job description.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“This role implements, monitors, and adjusts player workouts year-round as needed. In addition, the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach is responsible for motivating players and holding them accountable for their work in the weight room. Must be able to work well in a team, work irregular hours, and travel overnight for extensive periods of time.”
Considering the former Dallas Mavericks phenom is frequently winded on the hardwood and weighs 230 pounds, it isn’t asinine to state that Doncic isn’t in tip-top shape in mid-May.
Doncic’s pick-and-roll brilliance and pristine passing on the move will always make him a top 10-15 player in the big leagues.
Still, if Los Angeles wants to reach its full potential with Doncic in the fold, the 26-year-old veteran must take the Lakers’ hint and have a productive offseason.
More NBA: Stephen Curry makes retirement plans clear with announcement after Warriors’ season-ending loss
