08-12-2025, 11:16 AM
(08-12-2025, 06:13 AM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/los-ang...ws-rumors/
Luka wants revenge for Dallas' "fat-shaming" him.
First, Luka's calf injury did not keep him from getting in shape last season. He came in out of shape, got injured in practice (allegedly) on the same leg that bothered him the previous season and never seemed to get himself together until the long layoff before the trade. (side note - was the leg/calf that was injured so much his take-off leg when driving to the basket?)
Secondly, it's a sad commentary on his dedication that it took public shaming to motivate him to get in better physical condition. Although national commentators had been critical of his stamina and body size for a couple years now. It was just more notable coming from Mav "insiders".
Thirdly, despite the criticism, Luka used his size advantageously when playing. He was never the fastest guy or the highest leaper, but his size allowed him to finish through contact. I seem to remember when RC was coaching him that there were comments Luka didn't want to lose weight because he felt it disadvantaged his game. So it will be interesting to see if Luka-lite is still as aggressive driving to the rim or if he settles more for outside scoring.