Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

'I Need To Be 270': Luka Doncic’s Lakers Teammate Shrugs Slovenian’s Weight Issues

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 7:10 AM ET

Former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic , in the middle of all the opinions and hot takes surrounding the shocking trade that had him swap places with Anthony Davis, faced criticism from people calling him out for gaining a lot of weight and being “too heavy,” as he had clocked in recently at around 270 lbs. However, for his new teammates over at the Los Angeles Lakers, him being big and heavy is not an issue. In fact, they even talk about it in a fun and humorous way.

When asked about the weight concerns around his new teammate, Dorian Finney-Smith downplayed it and even joked that he would want to be that heavy.

“S---, if I’m putting up them type of numbers, maybe I need to be 270,” he said.

Returning Laker Mrkieff Morris also shared his insights on the criticisms thrown Doncic’s way. For him, even if he is out of shape, what’s more important is the performance and the numbers that he delivers.

“He’s a great guy, man. Super low maintenance, don’t need much,” Morris said. “One of the only guys I’ve been on a team with that will play through any injury if he can get on the court. I hear stuff about him not being in shape, but if you can go to an NBA game and get 30-15-10 like it’s nothing, then I don’t really know what shape is. I’m confused about that part. You’ll see it really soon. You’ll make the suggestion if he’s in shape or not.”

Markieff Morris on the reports about Luka’s conditioning: “If you can go in an NBA game and get 30-15-10 like it’s nothing, then I don’t really know what ‘in shape’ is. I’m confused at that part.”

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— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) February 4, 2025

Mavs Allegedly Frustrated Over Luka Doncic Weight Gain

In a report from ESPN, new information revealed what could be one of the reasons why the Mavs front office ended up deciding to part with their young superstar. As it turned out, one of their frustrations with Luka Doncic was his weight.

“This season, he missed 27 games, including the past six weeks since straining his left calf for the fourth time in three years,” the report said. “He gained weight while he was out, which frustrated team officials, sources said. The primary reasoning for an 11-day absence in late November, officially attributed to a right wrist sprain, was to provide Dončić time to shed weight after he had ballooned into the high 260s.”

Luka Doncic has put up impressive numbers, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game over his six-and-a-half seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. His scoring average ranks third all-time, right behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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