Gary Payton calls out Luka Doncic's defense and challenges him to evolve with Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton spoke honestly about Luka Doncic and his defense. Payton also pointed out at the BudX NBA House event in Mumbai that while Doncic is an excellent offensive player, you never really know about his defense which brings me, once again, back to Kyrie Irving.
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Doncic, who was the center of shockwaves during the trade that sent him from his Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, needed this feedback.
Luka Doncic's defensive mindset under scrutiny
During the press conference, Payton stated, "I don't think Luka is a defensive player; he's a scorer. But now, if he wants to, yes. But does he want to do it? That's up to him, not up to us." He went on to discuss how crucial mindset is for playing defense, emphasizing that it takes commitment, quickness, and a readiness to make sacrifices.
Payton's remarks bring attention to a wider issue regarding Doncic's defensive skills, which has been a hot topic among analysts and fans.
Doncic's move to the Lakers was part of a three-team trade that included the Utah Jazz, making it the first instance in NBA history where two current All-NBA Team players were exchanged during the season. The team explained that they made the trade to address the issue of team defense when they parted with Doncic and took in Anthony Davis.
People were very critical of the team's decision and it prompted many discussions about where the Mavericks were headed.
Despite the mixed reactions, Doncic is really looking forward to joining the Lakers and playing alongside LeBron James. On a recent podcast, he shared that the experience is "incredible" and complimented James's dedication. Still, Doncic noted that he's having a tough time adjusting to life in Los Angeles, especially with the heavy traffic.
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As he gets ready for his first complete season with the Lakers, Doncic is dealing with the challenge of adapting to a new place and improving his defense.
Doncic will play against his former team in Motley Crue's 'Welcome to the Jungle,' that was the sound a video game character made when it was hit and that got a lot of laughs and there will also be a lot of buzz heading into the preseason game next week on Oct. 15 in Las Vegas between the Lakers and Mavs.
Doncic will have a chance to upgrade the defense of his game and address the criticisms leveled at him, including from Payton, in this game.
Also Read:
Gary Payton's statements are a wake-up call for Luka Doncic, stressing the need for a strong defensive attitude to achieve greatness in the NBA. As Doncic begins this new phase with the Los Angeles Lakers, his development into a more complete player will be essential. Everyone in the basketball world will be watching to see if Doncic can step up and establish his legacy among the elite.
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