Lakers' Inner Circle Issues Big Warning After Luka Doncic Defense
Defense has become the latest flashpoint in Los Angeles, and the spotlight is firmly on the Lakers’ biggest names. Recent public comments from voices close to the team have reignited debate over expectations, accountability, and how two superstars are being judged on the defensive end.
On a recent show hosted by Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, Kellerman pointed back to LeBron James’ elite defensive peak during the 2012–13 season, comparing his intensity to that of Dennis Rodman. Paul, meanwhile, pushed for perspective regarding Luka Doncic, arguing that it’s unreasonable to expect a primary offensive engine to consistently score at a high level while also anchoring elite defense. Those comments followed weeks of scrutiny after Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles earlier this year.
Advanced metrics offer a complicated picture. Doncic currently holds a defensive rating of 118.1, ranking him in the middle of the Lakers’ roster, while LeBron’s rating sits at 119.9, among the team’s weaker marks. Net ratings also reflect challenges on that end of the floor, suggesting the lineup has struggled defensively regardless of which star is on the court.
Former NBA guard Eddie Johnson added to the conversation online, suggesting that broader team issues — including rotations and on-court reactions — have been unfairly placed on LeBron’s shoulders. That view highlights the contrast in perception: LeBron’s résumé raises the bar for criticism, while Doncic, still adjusting to a new environment, is facing impatience from fans and analysts.
Even approaching 41, LeBron continues to deliver strong production, averaging over 20 points per game on efficient shooting. Still, with both stars under constant evaluation, defense has become the defining battleground — one shaped by past greatness, present realities, and mounting pressure for immediate results.
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