The Dallas Mavericks have talked with Luka Doncic about decreasing his preferred playing weight this summer, according to NBA insider Tim Cato of The Athletic.
Doncic was listed at 230 pounds last season.
“The Mavericks’ key figures have talked to Doncic about decreasing his preferred playing weight this summer,” Cato wrote. “Doncic also stopped having fun for long stretches of the past two seasons, the first time in his life I think that’s ever been true for the sport he’s devoted his life to.
“Those factors, along with his extended summer to rest and recuperate, make me believe we’ll see Doncic more dedicated to the marathon of the NBA season this coming year. I absolutely believe he’ll start next season looking as good as he’s ever been.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Doncic signed a five-year, $215.2 million designated rookie contract extension with the Mavericks in August 2021. The four-time All-Star averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists last season while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free-throw line. Doncic recorded 36 double-doubles and 10 triple-doubles in 66 games.
The Mavericks were only 5-11 in games Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together last season. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If Dallas doesn’t compete for a championship next season, rumors about Doncic wanting out could heat up. The Mavericks missed the play-in tournament last season after making the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and Doncic said, “Something’s got to change for sure” during his end-of-the-season press conference.
The 24-year-old Doncic has career averages of 27.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists with the Mavericks. It will be fascinating to see if he’s able to keep his weight down next season.
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