Luka Doncic’s conditioning criticism in the NBA has increased after recent playoff exits, but former Dallas Mavericks star Jim Jackson sees greater concerns with Zion Williamson. The fitness and discipline of both athletes have sparked ongoing debate, especially following their respective playoff performances and durability issues.
Spotlight Intensifies on Luka Doncic After Playoffs
The trade bringing Luka Doncic to Dallas placed significant expectations upon the Slovenian guard, matching only the scrutiny faced by athletes in high-profile franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks. Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit for the Lakers in 2025, conversations about Doncic’s fitness and work habits became even more prominent. Despite such scrutiny, Doncic continues to lead his team deep into the postseason, guiding the Mavericks to two Western Conference Finals in 2021 and 2024 and reaching the NBA Finals in 2024.
Zion Williamson’s Ongoing Struggle With Fitness
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has also faced repeated criticism regarding his conditioning. Entering multiple seasons not at peak fitness, Williamson’s struggles have been reflected in his limited availability, having played over 30 games in only two out of six NBA seasons. This pattern is troubling for the Pelicans, who count on him as a foundational figure for their franchise.
Expert Opinions Add to the Conversation
Jim Jackson, with 14 years of NBA experience and current analyst duties for the Los Angeles Clippers on Bally Sports West, offers insight into player conditioning in today’s league. He describes the wealth of resources at players’ disposal, stating,
“I travel with the Clippers. You’ve got any and every thing you need to be a top-tier athlete,”
—Jim Jackson, Analyst. Jackson points out the importance of discipline, adding,
“You got your trainers to work out with during the day. But it just goes back to discipline at the end of the day.”
—Jim Jackson, Analyst.
Jackson Sees More Hope for Doncic Than Williamson
According to Jackson, even as Doncic has had his own moments of doubt, he continues proving himself when stakes are high. By contrast, Williamson’s brief flashes of improvement have not translated into sustained discipline or production. Jackson believes franchise leadership makes a difference, explaining,
“Zion is still in the same place. He doesn’t have a role model there. Luka has LeBron.”
—Jim Jackson, Analyst.
What’s Ahead for Zion and Doncic?
As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare for another season, Williamson still lacks the veteran mentorship and influence that can foster change, making it uncertain whether he will overcome past conditioning concerns. Meanwhile, the scrutiny on Luka Doncic’s conditioning criticism in the NBA continues, but his postseason track record lends him credibility. The coming season will test if either player can change the criticisms that have shadowed their promising careers, or if old narratives will persist as new challenges arise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Luka Doncic a billionaire?
A. Luka Doncic’s net worth in 2025 is about $75 million, based on Celebrity Net Worth. Most of this money comes from his big NBA contracts. Despite being young, he has already earned a lot in his professional basketball career.
Q. What car does Luka Doncic drive?
A. The Brabus Rocket 1000 is built from the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance model. This rare coupe can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 2.6 seconds. Its maximum speed is 316 km/h (196 mph).
Even though Doncic, who is 25 years old, will make $43,031,940 in the 2024-25 season, he spends his money carefully.