Luka Doncic’s Strong Feelings Toward Dallas Mavericks Surface originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Luka Doncic wrapped up the 2024-25 NBA season with strong numbers—averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game for the Los Angeles Lakers—demonstrating his ability to adapt to a new team after being traded mid-season. Despite health setbacks during the first half of the season, he emerged as the centerpiece in the Lakers’ push toward playoff contention.
Fans have praised his consistency, but some questioned his conditioning after it was reported that there were “constant conditioning concerns” leading up to the trade (via ESPN). Doncic has been noticeably quiet despite the criticism he’s faced from those in Dallas about his physical fitness.
However, a new report detailed how he truly feels about the criticisms.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “Doncic remains motivated by how the Dallas Mavericks treated him in the aftermath of the trade and how the Lakers’ season ended, and has committed to an offseason training and nutrition program.”
The star guard is said to have taken criticism about his conditioning and fitness personally, using it as fuel heading into a crucial summer.
Fans who followed Doncic’s time in Dallas know conditioning questions have followed him, but several reports this offseason insist he’s fully focused on silencing that narrative in Los Angeles. Doncic’s willingness to double down on fitness and diet is the clearest sign yet that he’s determined to prove any lingering doubts wrong.
The Lakers will need every bit of that commitment as they prepare to make another run for an NBA title next season. Doncic’s ability to stay healthy and elevate his game could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate title push alongside James.
