{"id":111013,"date":"2025-09-01T03:15:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T03:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/111013\/"},"modified":"2025-09-01T03:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T03:15:13","slug":"nba-champion-adds-voice-to-common-luka-doncic-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/111013\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Champion Adds Voice to Common Luka Doncic Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luka Doncic<\/a> is one of the most notable players in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Before he landed on the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> last season, Doncic was the face of the Dallas Mavericks, putting on for Slovenia, being one of the top international players in the league.<\/p>\n

When the Lakers traded for Doncic, and eventually signed him to a three-year extension, it was the type of move that proves the franchise is sold on Doncic\u2019s ability to remain one of the top players at least through 2029. <\/p>\n

Quotes from Lakers brass make it clear that they are sold on his value as a future all-time great.<\/p>\n

\"Luka<\/p>\n

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first quarter of game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images \/ Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Rober Horry, a seven-time NBA Champion, recently spoke on Doncic\u2019s trajectory. The former Laker is a fan of the Purple and Gold\u2019s current superstar guard, but he doesn\u2019t believe Doncic is on his way to landing on an NBA Mt. Rushmore.<\/p>\n

\u201cLuka would never make that,\u201d Horry said on \u2018The Travis and D\u2019Marco Show<\/a>.\u2019 <\/p>\n

While Horry made it clear that he loves Luka\u2019s game, he remains skeptical about the star guard\u2019s two-way value, arguing that he\u2019s missing a key element that some of the other GOATs carry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got to be able to play defense for me. I love Luka’s game, but when you look at guys like MJ, Kobe, Olajuwon, Duncan, LeBron, Kareem. All these guys, to me, played on both ends of the court. That’s basketball. Think about Kobe and MJ, they were great on the defensive end. That’s why they are considered the best of all time. Look at LeBron: He was great on the defensive end. That’s why you jump into that upper echelon, that Mt. Rushmore, when you can do it on both ends of the floor.”<\/p>\n

\"Luka<\/p>\n

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) gets the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images \/ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Since Doncic entered the NBA as the third-overall pick in 2018, he\u2019s dealt with plenty of criticism about his lack of value on the defensive end of the floor. It\u2019s part of the reason why the Dallas Mavericks suddenly traded him away during the 2024-2025 NBA season.<\/p>\n

Dallas\u2019s front office wanted to improve defensively after losing in the 2024 NBA Finals. They swapped out a star scorer for a well-known two-way standout in Anthony Davis for their front court. <\/p>\n

Neither team\u2019s move in the trade translated to playoff success just yet. The Lakers had Doncic on the court for 28 regular-season games and just five postseason outings. The Lakers fell short in five games. <\/p>\n

via @LALMuse:<\/a> Luka Doncic in 4 games where steals and blocks have been tracked (some friendlies don\u2019t track these) <\/p>\n

– 7 Steals + Blocks Vs. Poland
– 4 Steals + Blocks Vs. GBR
– 3 Steals + Blocks Vs. Belgium
– 2 Steals + Blocks Vs. France<\/p>\n

Averaging 4 a game and the defense looks way better \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n

Luka Doncic in 4 games where steals and blocks have been tracked (some friendlies don\u2019t track these)<\/p>\n

– 7 Steals + Blocks Vs. Poland
– 4 Steals + Blocks Vs. GBR
– 3 Steals + Blocks Vs. Belgium
– 2 Steals + Blocks Vs. France<\/p>\n

Averaging 4 a game and the defense looks way better \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/nkjYpU2WGk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LakersMuse (@LALMuse) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Horry\u2019s take isn\u2019t an unpopular one, which is an unfortunate reality for Lakers fans. However, the good news is that Doncic is just 26 years old. He\u2019s already established as one of the best scorers in the game. Now, he\u2019s got plenty of time to fine-tune his defense. <\/p>\n

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