Stephen A. Smith calls Luka Doncic to “miss leadership”

In front of Play 4 NBA FinalsESPNs Stephen A. Smith criticized Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic For what he described as failurestating constant struggles guard with conditioning conditions.

During Friday, the first-taking episode, Smith replied whether Dončić has a question of leadership, next Earlier comments Magic Johnson on the upstairs.

“Yes, I know,” Smith said. “I think any leader, any champion, said, if the problem involves you are not in shape, if the conditional questionnaire is, it lacks leadership. There is no way.

Stephen A. Smith says problems with the conditioning of Luka Doncycice reflect the poor leadership

Smith has elaborated the issue, pointing to the last champion that maintained a high standard of physical readiness, even if they admit past criticism between stars such as Kobe Briant and Shakuille O’Neal.

“There were cases that my Kobe man became shak because (of) too many damn big Macs and Shaq was not in the Prime Minister, the main condition,” Smith said. “But what shak would tell you if I’m not in shape, for example, I’m not worried about sacramental queens and such things. And then he’s coming there, don’t worry about his condition.”

Smith emphasized that the athletes at the elite level level in demanding sports cannot afford to fall physically, especially those who still chase their first championship.

“Never in any sport I never came across someone who said you could lead (without being in shape),” Smith said. “You don’t have problems with winning if you’re not in shape because fatigue makes cowards from us all, we all know that.”

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He continued, “When you are a great player without championships, and your conditioning is a factor … You can’t get fatmithing your ability to maximize it. So I should say that you can’t say that.” So, I would say that.

Doncic’s progress in conditioners comes as Lakers targeted frontcourt help this summer

Doncic, 26, joined Mednici Lakers and played 28 games during the regular season 2024-25. There were 28.2 points, 8.1 recent, 7.5 helps and 1.6 steals per game at 43.8% with shot from the field and 37.9% from the range in three points.

In Los Angeles’ Pet-Game First-rounding Playoffs in Minnesoti TimbervolvesDončić increased his exit to 30.2 points per game as he played over 41 minutes per competition.

Despite the team of early playoffs, Doncic, how to report, declared improving his physical condition In front of the 2025-26 campaign. The recent video set to social media showed a five-hour star that was subjected out of seasonal training and appeared noticeably on the skinny.

Doncic’s conditioning was previously any topics of concern During its mandate with Dallas Mavericks. Some Leagues of Insiders speculate that this question played a role in The decision of the organization to trade it Following the appearance of the Tima 2024 final. Years.

Lejkers are expected to be the 50-winning seasons under the main coach JJ Redick, how to deal with the Veterinium Front, helps this outdoor off-season. The team was Related to the centers, including Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, Kevon Looney and Al Horford.