Luka Doncic must improve key part of his game for Lakers’ playoff success, says three-time NBA champion

Luka Doncic has showcased his immense talent in the two months since joining the Los Angeles Lakers. That surge in performance has raised expectations around the team heading into the postseason. Still, a three-time NBA champion believes the Slovenian guard must improve a key area of his game.

“Luka going to have to guard somebody. At least try, that’s all I’m saying,” Udonis Haslem explained on The OGs Podcast with Mike Miller. “I’m looking at all the teams that are in the West, that are ahead of the Lakers, and I’m saying, ‘He’s gonna have to guard.’”

Udonis spoke about Doncic’s tendencies that make him less inclined to exert effort on defense. “We all understand that guys are too good offensively… Nobody’s really shutting nobody down by themselves no more. But outside of that, nobody shut nobody down, you know what I’m saying?” he added. “So it’s five guys on the string. Push him to your help. You got to try, bro.”

Haslem’s comments came just as Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed what Luka believes is his greatest strength. “He thinks there’s not a person in the world who can guard him,” Redick said recently. That confidence reflects the guard’s elite creative skill, but it also points to a lack of focus on the other side of the floor.

Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem

The Lakers will face a serious test in the playoffs

There’s no question Luka Doncic has improved the Lakers since his arrival in early February. With him, the team climbed the Western Conference standings and secured a valuable third-place finish. However, the intensity of postseason basketball is a different challenge entirely and, with the NBA playoff picture ahead, Udonis Haslem believes opponents will expose the Slovenian guard’s defensive liabilities.

see also

Lakers HC JJ Redick gives honest take on Luka Doncic in resurfaced social media clip

“I’m looking at the teams that are ahead of you—there’s nowhere to hide,” said the three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat. “I tell you, if you play OKC, he’s not going to hide. You think Lu Dort and Cason Wallace, and Wiggins going to let him off the hook just because they’re not the focal points of the offense? No. They’re going to put his (expletive) in action. He’s going to have to guard.”

Haslem also broke down potential matchups with other Western Conference contenders. “If he goes against Houston, you think those guys are going to let him off the hook with all them young Thundercats over there? He’s going to have to (expletive) guard,” Udonis added. “If you put him against Denver, you going to put him on Michael Porter Jr.? Where you gonna put him?”

The Lakers face tough opening test against Minnesota

The first hurdle for the Los Angeles Lakers will be the Minnesota Timberwolves. After finishing sixth in the West, they’ll look to pull off an upset and advance to the semifinals. As for defensive concerns, JJ Redick and Jarred Vanderbilt both addressed Anthony Edwards and the special attention he’ll require.

“The thing that jumps out at you is just the three-point volume… Not many guys that can shoot off the dribble at that volume from three, can also make 40% of them,” said the coach. “He’s a great offensive player, man,” added Vanderbilt, who shared what the Lakers need to do to slow him down: “Just continue to just make it tough for him. He can get going quick, so just not to get anything easy for him.”