Luka Doncic’s liabilities could be a major problem for the Lakers, warns three-time NBA champion

There’s no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers have improved since Luka Doncic’s arrival. The Slovenian guard brought new energy to the team, contributing his talent and enhancing the offense. However, his impact on the other end of the court is a point of serious concern for a Hall of Famer and three-time NBA champion.

“We all know that Luka is amazing with the basketball. He’s magical,” Dwyane Wade began on his podcast, The Why. “But we also know he has some liabilities on the defensive end of the floor. Everyone knows this.”

The Miami Heat legend acknowledged the contribution Doncic has made since joining the Lakers but made it clear that when the decisive games arrive, he will need to improve defensively as well. Wade specifically called attention to head coach Redick’s responsibility in this regard. “JJ and his staff have to teach Luka how to be a better defender. And this doesn’t mean he has to be a lock down,” he explained.

“So what y’all doing, Lakers? What are you doing, JJ, to make sure that one, you cover up for him? And two, put him in a position where you make it easy for him and simple for him to be a better defender?” Wade added. “Leaving a guy on an island and say, ‘Go be a defender,’ that’s not everyone’s strength.”

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade.

Dwyane Wade reflects on his own experience

In the same conversation, Wade delved into how it’s often assumed that NBA players are prepared for any scenario on the court. “Just because they’re professionals and they’re making $200 million dollars, you can’t assume that they know what to do,” the former guard said.

see also

NBA legend shares major take on Draymond Green after neutralizing Doncic in Warriors’ win over Lakers

“It’s so many different schemes, it’s so many different ways. So, one coach may do it one way,” Wade continued. “One guy may have been an offensive star his whole life, and he gets to the league because he was so potent offensively, but now he doesn’t have any defense… Enter Luka with the Lakers.”

Wade then recalled a rival he faced during his NBA career. “Kyle Korver was one of the best defenders I played against, and he couldn’t guard me one-on-one,” the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductee said. “But he understood how to guard me with a system and a team, and he understood certain positions. There were certain things Kyle Korver did that pissed me off, because I’m like, ‘He’s not a good defender, why is he still here when I’m going for this shot?’ Because he was smart, and they put him in a position to win.”

Doncic recognizes the need for improvement

So far, Luka Doncic’s offensive contributions have been more than enough for the Los Angeles Lakers in most of the games they’ve played. However, this week, the Golden State Warriors proved to be a bigger challenge, revealing some of the team’s weaknesses, particularly those of the Slovenian guard.

Following the game, Doncic was honest about his performance, even addressing the defensive aspect that concerns Dwyane Wade. “It’s always frustrating when you can’t help your team,” Luka said. “I think it’s not always about scoring. You can do some other stuff on the court, assist, rebound, defense, all of that, so trying to help in other ways.”