"I'm Nervous for Skinny Luka": Former NBA Champ Debates Why He Prefers “Fat Luka Doncic” With Stunning Carmelo Anthony Parallels

One of the biggest stories for the NBA is the body transformation of LA Lakers star Luka Doncic. Ever since he started to gain more weight in the league. Doncic has been criticized for "not being in shape." But that hasn't stopped the star player from posting incredible numbers across the boards and being a threat offensively.

While fans and critics have loved seeing the thinner version of the Slovenian sensation, a former NBA star isn't that confident. On the "No Limit!" podcast on Saturday, Iman Shumpert said that he feels nervous for the new version of the Lakers star.

"I like Skinny Luka. I'm also nervous for Skinny Luka," Shumpert said (Timestamp: 1:22:24)."'Cause I like Heavy Luka when he leans on you.

"Sometimes, Luka Doncic be in trouble. He has nothing there," he continued. "He takes his body, puts it on you, you become unathletic. He backs up, and he gets that shot off. If Luka is not as heavy, or just not as strong. Maybe he got in shape and he stayed 'wiry strong.'

Shumpert also used his former teammate, Carmelo Anthony, as an example. Melo used his size to take advantage of his defenders, making it difficult to slow him down.

"Melo is a different player when he had to play that low post four when he was hitting you in the chest before he started his move," Shumpert said. "Rather than playing on the perimeter and now playing a little more of a free game."

Before the start of the new NBA season, Luka Doncic showcased his new bod at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket with the Slovenian national team.

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Metta World Peace said that Luka Doncic needed to be in shape

Luka Doncic is starting to silence the haters with how he took care of his body and is now showing the results of his hard work. While "Heavy Luka" was able to overpower his defenders better, Metta World Peace, Shumpert's guest on the show, believes it was time for Doncic to slim down.

World Peace pointed out that relying on a 40-year-old LeBron James to be in his best shape wouldn't be the smartest strategy for the Lakers. While James might be in tip-top form, it would be too much to ask of him to carry the team on both ends. He feels that Doncic should be in his best physical shape because of this.

"You can't have LeBron and Luka. ... Luka got to be in tip-top shape," the champion said.

With James' age, many believe that Luka Doncic will start to take over the Lakers' franchise. Being in shape is the first step to being the main player for Los Angeles.