Luka Dončić’s blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025 stunned the NBA world—and it’s still generating headlines months later. Recall that the former Mavericks star was dealt in a three-team trade involving Utah that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, reshaping the futures of three franchises.
Sure, Dallas cited fit and long-term flexibility. However, persistent chatter around Dončić’s conditioning has followed him to L.A. Some reports suggested the Mavericks had grown increasingly frustrated with the All-NBA guard’s fluctuating fitness and concerns about his upcoming supermax extension.
Now, Lakers legend Magic Johnson is weighing in—sending a clear message to Dončić ahead of his first season in purple and gold: showing up in shape is non-negotiable.
Why is Magic Johnson Worried About Luka Dončić’s Conditioning?
Former Lakers point guard Magic Johnson appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” to discuss the upcoming offseason.
Johnson, also a former part-owner of the Lakers and one-time president of basketball operations, is not only worried about Dončić’s conditioning, but what that says about his leadership as well.
Magic Johnson calls out Luka Doncic 👀
“Luka gotta understand this is not Dallas… We shouldn’t have to tell you to be in shape, you should have been about that… this is going to be an important offseason for the Lakers.”
(Via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/CLCQeHQqHl
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 12, 2025
“Luka gotta understand this is not Dallas,” Johnson said. “To your point, Kobe, superstar who led us, Shaq led us to a championship, LeBron led us.”
“Leadership,” Stephen A. Smith responded.
“That’s right. And that’s what’s missing here,” Johnson explained. “We shouldn’t have to tell you to be in shape, you should have been about that, right? Especially when you’re a superstar. So this is gonna be an important year for the Lakers, important offseason for the Lakers.”
Dončić is coming off another stellar season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. He also led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year, where they fell to the Boston Celtics. The next step in his evolution is clear — delivering an NBA championship.
And that is always the expectation in Los Angeles.
Important Offseason Upcoming for Lakers
Of course, it isn’t just about Dončić’s conditioning and leadership.
With Dončić’s teammate, LeBron James, set to turn 41 in December, this offseason will be pivotal if the Lakers want to win another ring with the King.
“So this is gonna be an important year for the Lakers, important offseason for the Lakers,” Johnson explained. “And, we have got to get better and look at the championship. Always look at the Finals. It’s gonna tell you what you have to do in the off-season. So the West gotta look at OKC and say, uh-oh. We gotta build a team to beat them. The East gotta say, hey. The Pacers gonna be around, so we gotta have a team to beat them.”
That’s why the pressure isn’t just on Dončić to show up in elite shape—it’s also on Lakers president Rob Pelinka and new head coach J.J. Redick to build a roster around him that can truly contend.
“And so it’s gonna be important,” Johnson added. “The decisions that Rob and J.J. make to improve the roster if we’re gonna compete with all these teams.”
As Johnson made clear, championship expectations in L.A. come with high standards, and everyone from the front office to the franchise’s newest superstar will need to deliver.
