'This s*it messes up the players'- Former LA Lakers' star comes out in support of Luka Doncic over narrative around his fitness
While Luka Doncic is one the greatest basketball players, for some people he doesn't try hard on defense and isn't in the best shape. This impacts his image, especially after his team lost early in the playoffs.
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Some believe his poor fitness is why the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, former NBA player and former Los Angeles Lakers' star player Michael Beasley firmly disagrees.
Michael Beasley takes a firm stand on the issue
Michael Beasley firmly believes if Luka Doncic was really out of shape, he wouldn't be able to score so much or lead a team to the NBA Finals like he did. Beasley thinks Luka's performance proves he's better than people give him credit for.
In the NBA, if a player needs to score well, a lot of strength and energy is required. Luka takes over 20 shots per game and has led his team to the Finals, which proves he can handle the tough physical game.
Beasley said:
"I hate this narrative on Luka, right? It's just something that I'm hearing in the news. I hate this "out of shape" narrative that I'm hearing, 'cause it's like everybody that's saying he's out of shape is the same ones that's cheering hurrah hurrah when he's scoring 50 points or 60 points.'
Beasley believes people only criticize Luka Doncic's fitness when his team loses. But when Luka scores well, like 73 points, even against tough defenses, the criticism disappears. Beasley says this shows Luka is clearly fit and skilled, and the negative talk only comes up when things go wrong.
"In order to score 50, you have to be in shape to shoot at least 30 shots, right? Especially in the NBA. When it works, what shape are we speaking about? It's like you always have to find something bad to say about him.
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And it's like—why? Like bro, sometimes the other guy was just better and just bust their ass. And just really bust their ass. And it's as simple as that.'
Beasley further adds:
"It's like, when I'm scoring 50, tell me then to get in shape,"
the "Walking Bucket" stressed.
"The second I get a turnover, or the second I don't win one of the games that you clearly been paying me — now I'm out of shape? That s**t messes up the players' money. And the organizations know what they're doing. That's not fair.'
Also Read:
While NBA fans have been pleased to see Luka after at a recent game in Spain, having lost weight, Luka's strategies haven't changed a bit. Beasley points that out.
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