Stephen. A Smith Slams Luka Doncic With Huge Criticism Amid Lakers Offseason

Amid offseason discussions about the Lakers’ future, Stephen A. Smith delivered a sharp critique of Doncic’s conditioning and leadership role on the Lakers.

"If the issue involving you is that you're not in shape, if conditioning is a question mark, that's lacking leadership," Smith said Friday on "First Take."

Smith expanded on his point, adding, “I have never encountered any champion that says it's OK to be out of shape.”

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison moved Doncic to the Lakers partly due to concerns over his conditioning and defensive consistency — Dallas had fired multiple strength and health staffers in hopes of improving his habits after his weight reportedly crept above 260 pounds.

Offseason reports show Doncic embracing an intensified conditioning regimen — weight-room sessions, high-intensity interval work and a stricter diet — aimed at sustaining those heavy minutes over a full 82-game slate. At 26 years old, he has two years remaining on a five-year, $215 million contract that includes a player option after next season.

During his 28 games with the Lakers in the regular season, the Slovenian superstar averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists on 43.8 percent shooting, highlighted by a season-high 42 points (including 10 3-pointers) in a victory over Denver. 

In the playoffs, he logged a career high 41.6 minutes per game, underscoring his role as L.A.’s offensive engine.