The Dallas Mavericks stunned the NBA last season by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison cited Doncic’s conditioning and defensive effort as key reasons behind the move, with the Lakers giving up a surprisingly modest haul for the Mavericks’ former franchise cornerstone.
Now, Doncic appears to be shedding weight and taking his conditioning more seriously as he steps into a leadership role alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles.
Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News noted this isn’t the first time Doncic has improved his conditioning. However, he believes the added chip on the five-time All-Star’s shoulder could make the difference this time.
“Just the same, here’s what should give Nico pause, not to mention nightmares: What if Luka really means it this time?” Sherrington wrote. “What if hanging around LeBron James at the gym made him a believer?”
MORE: NBA writer believes Luka Doncic could reunite with Dallas in the future
Even if conditioning was a sticking point for Harrison, Doncic has been an elite player throughout his career. At just 26 years old, the 6-foot-6 point guard likely hasn’t reached his prime. Moreover, the Mavericks’ decision to trade him could go down as one of the worst deals in NBA history.
Doncic appeared in 28 regular-season outings for the Lakers. While he looked slightly out of shape following an extended absence due to a left calf strain, his production remained elite. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 3.6 three-pointers and 1.6 steals across 35.1 minutes per game during that span.
With something to prove to Harrison and critics alike, Doncic enters his eighth NBA season determined to rewrite the narrative and silence doubts about his conditioning.
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