As good a player as Luka Doncic is, it turns out there is still room for improvement. What the Boston Celtics exposed in the process of their championship win was Doncic’s defensive lack. While there could be more aspects to it, one reason seems to be endurance. Along similar lines, the Maves star received advice that could save him from struggling with the issue that experts believe was common with 315lbs Shaquille O’Neal.

During an interview with Rachel Nichols, former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins stated Luka Doncic is facing the same criticism “that Zion has received, I’ve received into my career… Shaquille O’Neal… Nobody is exempt from it.” The 4x All-Star was referencing “being in shape” as he believes one needs to embrace that part. He claimed it’s a necessary step to win in the end as no one wants to keep going through these playoffs.

In fact, Cousins believes this to be a major factor that Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks lost. “He has to self-reflect and self-improve, like being the leader of that team. Hold yourself accountable,” he added. As for Shaq, he was among the players who were constantly criticized for not giving their 100 percent on their fitness. The 4x NBA champ’s own teammate, LA Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, had once termed him as lazy. However, ‘Big Diesel’ stayed quite unaffected as he once responded to the “lazy” allegations in an interview with Kristine Leahy in 2019.

Shaq stated these claims could stand their ground against him had he not done anything worthwhile. “It’ll be a great coulda, woulda story. Oh, man, if Shaq would have worked out, he would have averaged 29. Man, if Shaq would have worked out, he would have got three mvp finals in a row…” he listed more accolades to support his statement. But Shaq had 4 NBA championships to back this, while Luka Doncic is still looking for his first.

Another ex-NBA star’s fitness-related advice for Luka Doncic

Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, former NBA star Grant Hil first mentioned Doncic’s talent to be off the charts. However, he too believes the Mavs star has two major issues to counter. While one is his way of approaching the officials, the other is getting in better shape.

“I think, he’s got to get in better shape. I don’t think he’s committed and devoted himself to being in tip-top shape to where he can have the responsibility of the ball in his hands every possession, but then also be the target defensively. He’s not the strongest player on the defensive end,” Hill said. He believes that to handle both offensive and defensive responsibilities, Luka needs higher endurance.

Notably, the 5x All-Star’s defensive lack has been in discussion ever since the Celtics targeted him in the finals series. In Game 2 itself, he was “blown by” 13 times — the highest for a single player in the last 10 postseasons. However, with 29.5 ppg against the Celtics, his offensive prowess has been on point. Now, all that remains for Luka Doncic is to work on his defensive side for a better outcome next season.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.