“Everything They Said in Dallas Was True!” – Larryb Bird Reacts to Sam Mitchell’s Bold Take on Luka Dončić’s Conditioning
On a recent segment that’s sent shockwaves through the basketball world, former NBA coach Sam Mitchell took the gloves off regarding Luka Dončić, claiming bluntly:
“Everything the people in Dallas said about him is true.”
According to Mitchell, Luka’s conditioning remains the elephant in the room—a topic that’s been whispered about in NBA circles for years but rarely called out this directly. And it didn’t take long for Stephen A. Smith to jump on the mic with that trademark intensity and let the basketball world know:
“If Sam Mitchell is saying it, we better LISTEN. Because he ain’t wrong.”
The Weight of Expectations
Dončić, who’s just 25 but already a global icon, has dazzled fans with his vision, footwork, and scoring touch. But the question that’s haunted his rise is whether he’s doing everything it takes off the court to maximize his immense on-court talent.
Mitchell didn’t mince words—suggesting that Dallas insiders have long expressed frustration about Luka’s offseason preparation and game conditioning. And Stephen A. took it further:
“Look—I’ve been saying it for YEARS. Luka Dončić is generational. But you don’t become the face of the league showing up out of shape in October and trying to catch your wind by January. This ain’t Europe no more. This is the NBA. You either rise, or you get left behind.”
Sam Mitchell’s Warning Shot
Mitchell’s remarks weren’t personal. They were a wake-up call.
“Luka has all the talent in the world. But until he treats his body like LeBron did at that age—until he shows up in elite condition—he’s not going to get where he wants to go. That’s the truth.”
It’s not the first time Dončić has faced this criticism. He’s admitted himself that his conditioning has been an issue. But coming from a respected veteran voice like Mitchell—and amplified by Stephen A.’s national platform—it lands with even more force.
A Challenge, Not a Condemnation
Stephen A. emphasized that this isn’t about tearing Luka down—it’s about challenging him to be what everyone believes he can be:
“Nobody’s denying his greatness. But can we PLEASE stop pretending that greatness is just talent? It’s WORK. It’s PREPARATION. And right now, that’s the one area Luka has yet to dominate.”
As the Mavs fight to stay relevant in a brutal Western Conference, the spotlight on Luka will only grow hotter. And if Mitchell’s words are any indication, the whispers in Dallas might just be turning into a roar.
