Mavs’ Luka Doncic In Shape Is Scary Come Playoff Time, Says NBA Champion
Heading into the All-Star break, Dallas Mavericks three-time All-Star Luka Doncic went on a scoring outburst. Doncic averaged 41.5 points over the course of four games and dropped a career-high 51 points on the Los Angeles Clippers before he joined the rest of the All-Star participants in Cleveland.
“Luka’s that type of player that can carry the load, for not just four games, but for most of the season,” said Kidd. “He’s playing not just at an All-Star but at an MVP level right now, and that’s what we need going into the second half.”
“It was just games,” said Doncic. “I know everybody talks it was after the trade, after something. It was just games. Sometimes you feel good, sometimes you don’t. I just felt good.”
On Thursday afternoon, Kendrick Perkins chatted with Bally Sports’ Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson on Bovada’s Instagram Live. Robinson asked Perkins to share his thoughts on Doncic’s scoring streak.
“Well, one, I think he’s happy that [Kristaps] Porzingis is out of there; that’s what I honestly believe. Two, he’s in great shape. Think about this, when is the last time we’ve seen Luka [Doncic] drive into the lane snatching the screws out rim and hanging from the goal with two hands,” said Perkins.
“Look this Luka right here; people better watch out in the playoffs. Him being in shape, we are going to see the best version of Luka, and that’s scary to say because we have already seen some classic moments.”
Earlier this season, Doncic talked about his weight loss, “People are going to talk about it, yes or no,” said Doncic. “I know I’ve got to do better.”
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, and was asked about changing his diet. He said that he chose chicken as a primary source of protein because he does not like fish.
“Chicken and rice and vegetables is the most popular [with me] because I don’t eat a lot of seafood,” Doncic said of his new habits. “Mostly just eating healthier. … That was the key to be here.”
“I’m just enjoying playing basketball,” Doncic said. “That’s the most important thing.”
The Dallas Mavericks play the Utah Jazz on the road Friday at 9 pm EST.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
