After a disappointing first-round playoff loss, Luka Doncic has found himself in the middle of a debate surrounding his fitness and playing style.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, traded from the Dallas Mavericks midseason, faced a barrage of online criticism following the team’s 4-1 series defeat to the surging Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fans and analysts questioned Doncic‘s physical conditioning, defensive presence, and especially his speed – or perceived lack thereof.
This weekend, Doncic appeared on the Mind the Game podcast hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash, where the conversation turned to those very criticisms.
Nash asked Doncic directly about his pace on the court, referencing the athleticism of teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and how they often pressure players into rushing decisions.
Doncic didn’t flinch. “I have speed, I just don’t show it,” he responded with a wry smile – a five-word retort that quickly made waves across social media platforms.
Change of pace, not lack of pace
The moment was instantly clipped and shared across X (formerly Twitter), sparking a wave of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Some responses mocked the quote, with one user quipping, “The only thing (he) can do fast is shotgun a beer.” But others leapt to Doncic‘s defense, pointing out that his ability to control tempo and change speeds is one of his greatest assets.
“Luka has the best change of pace/speed in the game, the control he has is unreal,” one user wrote. “He could go 100% all the time but it’s literally more valuable if he doesn’t.”
Doncic‘s approach on the court is often misunderstood. Unlike high-flyers or explosive guards who rely on bursts of acceleration, Doncic thrives in tight spaces and at unconventional rhythms.
His combination of footwork, balance, and vision allows him to slow the game down, dictate the flow, and manipulate defenders. It’s a style more in line with past greats like Larry Bird or even James Harden in his prime – players who succeeded by playing at their own deliberate pace.
That style, however, drew criticism after the Lakers’ early exit. Many fans expected a deep postseason run from the team, especially with JJ Redick taking over as head coach and the addition of Doncic to a roster already led by LeBron James.
But the Lakers struggled against Anthony Edwards and a gritty Timberwolves squad that outmatched them in transition and defensive intensity.
Despite the disappointment, Doncic‘s appearance on the podcast was a clear reminder that he’s not concerned with fitting a mold. His message – brief but pointed – was both a defense of his game and a rejection of the idea that speed must always be visible to be effective.
Whether the Lakers retool their roster this offseason or double down on their current core, Doncic’s confidence appears intact. And if his past performances are any indication, he may not need to “show” his speed to dominate – just continue to bend the game to his will.
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