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Comparing these highlights from the bubble to the player he is now, it's crazy how much slower Luka has become. He is only 26. His athleticism should not have declined this much. If you're a Laker fan, you hope he can use this offseason to regain some of his old burst back.

Nico was cooking something. I’m not saying he made a 5 star meal, he used way too much seasoning and spilled the dish all over the counter. But there is undeniably something to the Luka decline.

EmpireFalls wrote:Nico was cooking something. I’m not saying he made a 5 star meal, he used way too much seasoning and spilled the dish all over the counter. But there is undeniably something to the Luka decline.

This argument loses all credibility when you compare what they got for Luka vs What they could have got for Luka

He doesn't look as thin now as he does in the video you posted. He needs to lose the excess weight and keep it off before it's too late.

Jesus, I see what you mean op off the first 20 seconds lol.

Nico getting the last laugh

Damn near looks like a different player

It’s only going to get worse as he gets older.

His bad habits are fine when you’re 18-22 years old where your body can digest anything without any issues.

When you’re 25+? Your body isn’t bouncing back so quickly lol.

This is kinda bizzare to watch. He looks like he’s aged 10+ years from an athletic standpoint compared to where he was in 2020. He moves like an old Paul Pierce these days.

Look how explosive he was.

EmpireFalls wrote:Nico was cooking something. I’m not saying he made a 5 star meal, he used way too much seasoning and spilled the dish all over the counter. But there is undeniably something to the Luka decline.

He might be cooked by the end of the decade real talk

Tottery wrote:He doesn't look as thin now as he does in the video you posted. He needs to lose the excess weight and keep it off before it's too late.

I say this as someone who thinks Luka is the 2nd best player in the world after Jokic but it’s not just that he’s not as thin as he used to be. He flat out looks sick and unhealthy. Just compare how his face looked back then compared to now. Watching that video is just depressing. I don’t know what could cause such a steep decline in a very short period of time. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something nefarious. That version of Luka with 5 years of experience under his belt could average a 40 point triple double. That would be the league’s worst nightmare

I knew he'd developed into more of a crafty, slower player and was skeptical when I entered this thread. But holy cow you guys are right. He's still really strong and has terrific body control, but he looks like he's 36 out there compared to these clips.

I wonder if he actually took it seriously to lose some weight and regain agility, just how different his came could be.

Prince187 wrote:

Tottery wrote:He doesn't look as thin now as he does in the video you posted. He needs to lose the excess weight and keep it off before it's too late.

I say this as someone who thinks Luka is the 2nd best player in the world after Jokic but it’s not just that he’s not as thin as he used to be. He flat out looks sick and unhealthy. Just compare how his face looked back then compared to now. Watching that video is just depressing. I don’t know what could cause such a steep decline in a very short period of time. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something nefarious. That version of Luka with 5 years of experience under his belt could average a 40 point triple double. That would be the league’s worst nightmare

I think he has a legitimate alcohol and smoking issue. There are plenty of sources you can look up where he's been caught overindulging in these activities during his off-time. I remember this one story from a few years ago when he was playing for the national team during the offseason, he was spotted smoking and drinking beers on the days before important games

Shock Defeat wrote:Nico getting the last laugh

What was wrong with getting the last laugh and pulling off the biggest blockbuster trade and heist in the history of the game?

How does the comparison look vs last year, durng the RS?
The decline is a bit too sudden

guynumber45 wrote:

Prince187 wrote:

Tottery wrote:He doesn't look as thin now as he does in the video you posted. He needs to lose the excess weight and keep it off before it's too late.

I say this as someone who thinks Luka is the 2nd best player in the world after Jokic but it’s not just that he’s not as thin as he used to be. He flat out looks sick and unhealthy. Just compare how his face looked back then compared to now. Watching that video is just depressing. I don’t know what could cause such a steep decline in a very short period of time. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something nefarious. That version of Luka with 5 years of experience under his belt could average a 40 point triple double. That would be the league’s worst nightmare

I think he has a legitimate alcohol and smoking issue. There are plenty of sources you can look up where he's been caught overindulging in these activities during his off-time. I remember this one story from a few years ago when he was playing for the national team during the offseason, he was spotted smoking and drinking beers on the days before important games

What do you think these guys do when they say they're going to the clubs etc? You think they're all drinking spring water or something? You think they don't go out...like A LOT.

I tell you what, for all you know he doesn't drink/smoke as much as the next dude in the NBA, but just doesn't put the work in to get it off. Plenty of sauces where he's been caught overindulging. Stop making crap up man.

Oh what? That's insane. He was "spotted", wait for it, smoking, and drinking, on the days BEFORE important games? Quick, someone call the authorities.
So let me get this straight, if someone smoked before, like days as you say, like on a Wednesday when the game is on a Friday or Saturday, then...what?
FFS guys are smoking weed in the NBA on the morning of games.

lol wow thats actually wild. he has no more burst getting to the rim anymore

uncleduck13 wrote:This is kinda bizzare to watch. He looks like he’s aged 10+ years from an athletic standpoint compared to where he was in 2020. He moves like an old Paul Pierce these days.

Even old Paul pierce was still fitter and more athletic than any version of Luka, let alone the current one.

ImSlower wrote:I knew he'd developed into more of a crafty, slower player and was skeptical when I entered this thread. But holy cow you guys are right. He's still really strong and has terrific body control, but he looks like he's 36 out there compared to these clips.

I wonder if he actually took it seriously to lose some weight and regain agility, just how different his came could be.

Well first, it might prevent him to get some injuries.