Luka Doncic’s conditioning has been a topic of debate following his midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Former teammate Quentin Grimes is pushing back against the narrative, arguing that Doncic’s weight has never impacted his performance.
Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported that Grimes dismissed concerns about Doncic’s work habits, stating that he frequently saw the five-time All-NBA guard putting in work behind the scenes.
“It’s just a narrative around him. Once a narrative gets thrown out there, everybody just runs with it,” Grimes said. “Whatever they’re saying, if he’s 270 and he gets to the Finals, let him be 270 then. It’s crazy.”
Doncic, who led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, was unexpectedly traded to the Lakers on February 2. The deal sent him, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The three-team trade also involved the Utah Jazz, who acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
The move was one of the most shocking in NBA history, marking the first time two active All-NBA players were swapped midseason. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, citing a commitment to defense, but the trade drew widespread criticism. Doncic was reportedly blindsided, learning of the deal only after it was finalized.
Despite speculation about his conditioning, Doncic has continued to perform at an elite level. The 26-year-old is averaging MVP-caliber numbers, proving that his style of play remains effective regardless of his weight. Grimes, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 4, believes the focus should be on Doncic’s production, not his physique.
During his tenure in Dallas, Doncic was known for his ability to dominate games with his skill, strength, and court vision. He carried the Mavericks to the Finals last season, averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in the playoffs. Though Dallas fell to the Boston Celtics in five games, Doncic’s performance solidified his place as one of the league’s top superstars.
The trade to Los Angeles has given Doncic a fresh start alongside LeBron James, but it has also amplified scrutiny surrounding his conditioning. While some analysts question whether his weight could affect his longevity, Grimes and others who have trained with him believe the criticism is overblown.
As the Lakers push for a deep playoff run, Doncic’s impact will be closely monitored. If he leads Los Angeles to another Finals appearance, the discussion about his weight may become irrelevant.
