The Los Angeles Lakers’ season may be over, but the work is far from done. In a press conference alongside Rob Pelinka, head coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for the team to get into “championship shape” this offseason if they hope to make a serious run next year.
Meanwhile, over on First Take, some analysts questioned whether Luka Doncic could meet that standard, citing concerns reportedly shared by those within the Dallas Mavericks organization.
“The Mavericks knew him better him better than anyone in the NBA, and they thought, ‘No’,” Brian Windhorst said regarding Doncic’s commitment to be in the best shape he could be. “JJ Redick is getting to know him, the Lakers are getting to know him, the Mavericks decided that the answer is no.”
“The people that knew Luka best said they didn’t believe he could do it,” added the ESPN analyst.
Windhorst’s statement was nothing new, as Doncic’s conditioning was one of the most brought-up reasons why the Mavs traded him to the Lakers. Nonetheless, Stephen A. Smith nitpicked his colleague’s words and pointed out that Dallas has a new ownership in place, which may not have known Luka as well as the old ownership did.
“Yes, the Mavericks know him better than anybody, but not new ownership. They didn’t,” SAS stated. “Mark Cuban, who owned the Dallas Mavericks all these years has stated emphatically that if he were the owner of the Mavericks, Luka would still be there. So, we can’t just say the Mavericks (decided that) and that’s it, because new ownership came in… they don’t know Luka like that.”
As reiterated by Smith and admitted by Windy, Nico Harrison had the strongest voice behind the decision, and the new owners simply approved it. Harrison may have his reasons, but as SAS suggested, his words shouldn’t be taken as gospel.
Redick did not mention any names with his “championship shape” statement, but many thought it was a direct jab at Doncic. He emphasized the need for the Purple and Gold to be at that level of conditioning as early as the offseason while also addressing the team’s roster necessities.
Whether it was a dig at the Slovenian guard or not, JJ has a point. The Lakers, not just Luka, looked gassed at different parts of the game, especially in Game 4. Doncic and LeBron James missed point-blank layups and committed costly turnovers that caused their demise. Overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves were quicker to the ball and won almost all 50-50 balls.
Nevertheless, no amount of conditioning would have spared Doncic from a stomach bug in Game 3 or a back injury in Game 5 after a hard foul by Donte DiVincenzo. Still, it will significantly help the Purple and Gold’s cause if players one through twelve are in peak shape even before the season starts. Conditioning may not prevent every setback, but it could be the difference between falling short and making a real run.
