The Dallas Mavericks are understood to have had concerns over Luka Doncic’s weight and conditioning, so much so, they traded him.
Doncic is now set to be a Laker, with the Mavs having dealt him to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis in what’s now considered to be the most shocking bit of business in NBA history.
The Slovenian star would have been eligible for a $345 million super-max extension at the end of the season, but general manager Nico Harrison didn’t feel like paying Luka that much would have been the right thing to do given the weight concerns.
While “Skinny Luka” becomes a thing almost every summer, the pounds don’t stay off, and the guard goes back to his regular weight by the time the season starts. Of course, it doesn’t stop him from being his dazzling self, yet the Mavs reckon it’s why he can’t stay on the court.
Luka Doncic Was In “The High 260s”
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Luka Doncic got close to 270 pounds this season, which the team believes was chiefly responsible for his struggles with injury.
“Luka Doncic’s constant conditioning issues and concerns, his weight ballooned to the high 260s this season, they believe that is directly attributable to the injury issues that he’s had.”
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Doncic has only played 22 games this season and hasn’t featured in more than 70 games since he was a rookie.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reports that the Mavericks “bet against” the player thought to be the face of their franchise in the belief that he would break down.
“You better be sure his body is going to fall apart,” an Eastern Conference executive was quoted as saying. “That’s all I’m going to say.”
While Doncic’s weight is the Lakers’ problem now, Anthony Davis hasn’t been the model of consistency either. The 10-time All-Star has had his own problems with staying healthy over the years.
Still, the Mavericks believe they are now in a better position to win.
