After Gary Payton's defensive challenge, Luka Doncic begins new chapter with Los Angeles Lakers focused on hustle and heart
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Fresh from a mid-season trade that sent him from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025—a major deal for Anthony Davis and other assets—Luka received some pointed advice from NBA legend Gary Payton at the BUDX NBA House in Mumbai, who reminded him, "Defense is a mindset.
" At 26 years old, this five-time All-Star is using every bit of that criticism to fuel a transformation with the Lakers, gearing up to meet the expectations on both ends of the court.
Can Doncic's lunch‑buckets work to shift the Lakers defense?
Luka's first days in L.A. were a wild experience. He was still scoring like a pro—averaging 28.2 points per game during the 2024–25 season split between Dallas and L.A.—but critics were laser-focused on his defense. After the Lakers' first-round loss to Minnesota, Charles Barkley made it clear, saying Luka "can't guard a chair."
Payton and Robert Horry backed him up, suggesting that if Luka wants to change his legacy, he needs to prioritize defense.
Luka's reply was a serious promise to transform. In recent weeks, several reports have highlighted a visibly slimmer and fitter version of the Slovenian star, deeply involved in strict diet and workout plans. It was mentioned that his offseason is driven by "disrespect towards his work ethic," and it was "offseason due to the embarrassment" after trade talks and playoff letdowns.
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Another point to note is that the Lakers' front office is all in on this transformation. Team president Rob Pelinka and coach J.J. Redick has compared the process of integrating Luka mid-season to "building an airplane in the sky." They praised his dedication, referring to his presence as a "total energy reset," and confirmed that they will be making summer roster changes to support his two-way game. The fact that they want to hire a new Head Strength & Conditioning Coach with a pay scale of up to $250K tells you something about how much they care about his fitness.
With Luka in charge, Lakers veterans and insiders are feeling hopeful. Reddit users pointed out that even if he might not become a "defensive beast," his average defensive effort paired with his offensive skills could turn him into an unstoppable all-star. One fan even said, "He's going to be a monster next year."
Also Read:
'I never lose belief' — Tyrese Haliburton's clutch shots and vulnerability have revived Indiana basketball's soul
Luka Doncic's time with the Lakers isn't solely about racking up 30-point games—it's about establishing a solid defensive strategy, welcoming a transformative offseason, and dedicating himself to a championship mindset. Following Gary Payton's public challenge and Barkley's harsh comments, Doncic finds himself at a pivotal moment. If this determined, passionate version of Luka remains, the Lakers could gain a lot, and so could his legacy—shaping a future not just as a top scorer, but as the two-way leader that Los Angeles desperately needs.
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