BREAKING NEWS: Los Angeles Lakers Kendrick Perkins wonders if Mark Cuban’s relationship with Luka contributed to conditioning issues…. veiw more

BREAKING NEWS: Lakers’ Kendrick Perkins Questions If Mark Cuban’s Relationship With Luka Doncic Contributed to Conditioning Issues

Los Angeles, CA — June 22, 2025

In a bold and unexpected statement that’s causing ripples across the NBA landscape, Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current member of the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff, raised serious questions regarding Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s close relationship with superstar Luka Dončić — specifically, how it may have contributed to the young star’s ongoing conditioning issues.

During a segment on a national sports panel earlier today, Perkins didn’t hold back.

“Look, I’ve got respect for Cuban and all he’s done, but sometimes when you get too close to a player, you stop holding them accountable,” Perkins said. “And with Luka, we’ve seen the talent — MVP-level. But we’ve also seen the weight concerns, the fatigue, the late-game struggles. At some point, you have to ask if the franchise enabled it.”

A History of Concerns

Luka Dončić, who has been the face of the Mavericks since his breakout rookie season in 2018, has faced periodic criticism over his fitness and conditioning — especially during playoff stretches. While his numbers remain elite, insiders have quietly pointed to a lack of year-round physical discipline as one of the few gaps in his otherwise world-class game.

Mark Cuban has always been vocal in his support of Dončić, often publicly defending him against critics and taking pride in their close relationship. But Perkins’ comments suggest that this very closeness might have allowed standards to slip.

The League Reacts

NBA analysts were quick to weigh in. Some agreed that franchise-player dynamics can create blind spots, especially when an owner is more emotionally invested than professionally detached. Others pushed back, calling Perkins’ remarks “unfair” and accusing him of taking shots from a rival camp.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith commented, “I love Perk, but he might be stirring the pot here. Luka’s numbers speak for themselves. But yes, conditioning has been a red flag for years.”

Meanwhile, Mavericks fans and some former teammates have taken to social media defending Dončić, pointing to his extraordinary performances and record-breaking statistics.

Lakers vs. Mavericks: Tensions Rising?

Perkins’ comments come at a particularly interesting time, as the Lakers and Mavericks are rumored to be developing a budding Western Conference rivalry, fueled by playoff clashes, offseason rumors, and player movement talks.

Luka Dončić has yet to respond to Perkins’ statement, but insiders expect the usually outspoken star to address the issue sooner rather than later. Mark Cuban has also remained silent as of this writing, but sources say the Mavericks front office is “unhappy” with the narrative being pushed by a coach from a rival franchise.

What’s Next?

With the 2025–26 season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Luka’s conditioning when he reports to training camp. Will he show up in peak shape and silence the critics — or will the questions around accountability and leadership continue to follow him?

One thing’s for sure: Kendrick Perkins has lit a fire under this conversation, and the league — and fans — are paying attention.

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