Stephen A. Smith criticized Lakers star Luka Doncic for lacking leadership, pointing to his conditioning as a major issue. On First Take, Smith said being out of shape compromises a player’s ability to lead and win, calling it “a leadership issue.”
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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took aim at Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, raising concerns about his leadership and physical conditioning.
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Speaking on First Take, Smith responded to earlier comments made by Magic Johnson, who hinted at potential leadership flaws in Doncic. Smith didn’t hold back.
“Yes, I do,” Smith said when asked if Doncic has a leadership issue. “I think that any leader, any champion, would tell you, if the issue involving you is that you’re not in shape, if conditioning is a question mark, that’s lacking leadership. There’s no way around it.”
Smith used the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as an example, recalling times when Kobe called out Shaq for not being in top condition, despite Shaq’s dominant play.
“There were times that my man Kobe was getting on Shaq because too many damn Big Macs and Shaq wasn’t in prime, prime condition,” Smith said. “But what Shaq would tell you is that not only am I in shape, I’m not concerned about the Sacramento Queens, for example… and then go out there and dominate.”
Smith stressed that staying in peak shape is a basic requirement for stars still chasing their first ring.
“I have never ever in any sport encountered somebody that said you could lead,” he added. “Fatigue makes cowards of us all… when you are a great player devoid of a championship… and your conditioning is a factor… that’s a leadership issue.”
Doncic, who joined the Lakers midseason, played 28 games in the 2024–25 regular season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from deep.
In the playoffs, he elevated his play, posting 30.2 points per game across 41 minutes a night in a tough five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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