Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is the hottest topic as the Dallas Mavericks decided to move on from him and traded him over the weekend. The Mavericks argue that his lack of physical conditioning was a major contributing factor. However, his teammates and most fans disagree with what Dallas said. On Thursday, Doncic had a chance to address the talk about his weight ahead of the Lakers’ game against the Golden State Warriors.
The topic of Doncic’s physical conditioning has been brought up before. However, it hasn’t been a problem for the star as he’s always performed at the top of his game, often leading his team in multiple areas of the floor. While his new team played against a familiar foe, the Slovenian star broke his silence about the talk of his body with Jared Greenberg.
“That’s fine,” Doncic shrugged off the criticism. “I’ve been questioned many, many times in my life. It’s just another motive to be more prepared for myself and just take another role.
“I’ve been questioned a lot, so I’m used to it. It’s a job, it’s a business and I’m just happy to be here. Play basketball, that’s all I want.”
"I'm use to it."
Luka Dončić's response to those questioning his conditioning and ability to compete. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/HUJyp5StP5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 7, 2025
Doncic has since put his past with the Mavs behind him. In his talk with Greenberg, he’s focused on playing for his new team moving forward. The adjustment? Los Angeles’ new star said that it’s getting better every day.
“Everyday it goes by, it’s better. Honestly, it feels like one month long process but everyday’s getting better for me.”
"Everyday's getting better for me."
Luka Dončić on his transition to the Lakers ✨
(🎤: @JaredSGreenberg) pic.twitter.com/8DWL3FTKoT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 7, 2025
Doncic played for Dallas for almost seven seasons, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists. Last season, he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. However, they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
Kenny Smith thinks Luka Doncic puts a mix to the Western Conference
One of the league’s best players is Luka Doncic. He alters the Western Conference’s dynamic with the current deal. Kenny Smith of TNT is among the pundits who think Doncic has changed the situation in the West.
“This guy changes the dynamic of the Western Conference. He’s that good, he is a savant in the game,” Smith said. “His ability to get to where he wants to score is unprecedented and there’s no one in the NBA other than Joker (Nikola Jokic) who can get to their spot regardless of what you’re thinking.
"He puts them in the mix to possibly win the West." 👀
Kenny on the impact Luka can have on the Lakers this season. ✨ pic.twitter.com/tZMywfaLoh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 7, 2025
According to Marc Stein, the five-time All-Star is targeting to debut with the Lakers on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Fans are looking forward to how Doncic will perform with Los Angeles.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
