Luka Doncic looks sharper than ever in his career, but the most important question about him is not how fit he is right now; it is how well he will hold up when the season’s grind truly kicks in.
Tim Cato, who covered Luka Doncic closely during his Dallas days, summed it up perfectly on The Zach Lowe Show:
Cato said, “The question is not how good of shape he [Doncic] is right now. It is February where he is been playing 40 minutes a night, ... he’s banged up. ... How does he react to that? That has always been the Luka question. That has always been what has derailed him.”
Lakers would be wise to stay cautious in managing Luka Doncic
That midseason wear and tear, the aches, the missed games, and the nagging issues have sadly been a recurring theme throughout Doncic’s career. Those themes weighed heavily on the Dallas Mavericks and their decision to part ways with the superstar back near last season’s trade deadline.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Mavs “had major concerns about moving forward” with Doncic.
Dave McMenamin added more context. The ESPN reported highlighted “significant frustration within the organization about Doncic’s lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning,” which sources linked directly to his injury problems.
Since his rookie season, Doncic’s health has been a rollercoaster of minor injuries. He has never missed huge chunks of time but has often been sidelined by ankle sprains, calf strains, and other nagging problems.
He has played over 70 games only once, his rookie year. Last season, between Dallas and Los Angeles, he appeared in just 50 games due to calf problems and other ailments.
Doncic has clearly worked hard to improve his conditioning, getting ready to step onto the court this season with a noticeably leaner frame (though he reportedly ballooned to the high 260s earlier last season). The Lakers know the real test lies ahead.
When February arrives and the schedule intensifies, minutes pile up, and teammates deal with their own injuries, Doncic’s ability to maintain his health and energy will be critical.
The Lakers are betting that the combination of a fresh start and the fire from criticism and trade drama will push Doncic to stay fit and focused. Until the brutal stretch of the season arrives, the organization and fans alike will be watching closely.
Everyone will collectively be hoping his body can keep pace with the immense talent he brings to the court. In the end, Doncic’s conditioning may be the Lakers’ biggest challenge and the defining factor in their quest for a championship.
One thing is for sure: he will not just be the engine of the Lakers’ title push; he will be squarely in the MVP race. The talent has never been the question. Now, his body just has to keep up.