After a series in which fatigue was clearly a factor, JJ Redick wants the Lakers to improve their conditioning and get in “championship shape” this summer.
One key factor in the Lakers losing their opening round series against the Wolves was their inability to execute down the stretch.
The Lakers lost all five fourth quarters, getting outscored 127-85 in the final frame. While late-game execution was clearly a factor, so was fatigue.
During his exit interview, head coach JJ Redick pointed out that while some of his players were in phenomenal shape, others needed to get in “championship shape,” whatever that means.
JJ Redick: “We have to get in championship shape.”
Redick notes some players were in “phenomenal” shape and others could’ve been in better shape. But collectively, they need to be in better shape.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) May 1, 2025
It’s hard not to hear these words from Redick and not think of Luka Dončić. He’s a player who is not only consistently criticized for his shape, but it clearly looked like a factor for him against the Wolves.
As the future of this franchise and in the middle of his prime, having him out of shape isn’t going to lead to anything good for Los Angeles.
He has to have the body needed to play 100-plus games of NBA action and be just as effective on opening night as he is for the NBA Finals. Right now, it’s hard to argue that his physical fitness is at that level.
Now, in his defense, he did miss a chunk of the season with a calf injury that likely limited his ability to work out. And in these playoffs, he dealt with a stomach bug in Game 3 and was very clearly hobbled by a back injury in Game 5.
It’s impossible for Redick to make this comment and for everyone’s eyes not to immediately dart to Luka, though. Is it fair? Probably not. But does he fit this bill? Almost certainly.
The other obvious question is what in the world is “championship shape.” Redick has clearly been going to the School of Rob Pelinka’s Confusing Catchphrases as this one isn’t far removed from “sustained Lakers excellence,” which is the phrase Pelinka used to describe what they would trade draft picks for.
To graduate from this school, you must compare a free agent signing to manna falling from heaven.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.