Luka Doncic remains one of the most dominant players in the NBA, but his physique continues to draw criticism. Since arriving in Los Angeles after the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis packing, social media hasn’t stopped obsessing over his conditioning like he’s auditioning for a Marvel role. But seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry just shut that narrative down.
“I don’t care about his weight, you’ve got to get him in the gym and teach him how to play defense,” Horry said on The Dan Patrick Show.
Horry, famously known as Big Shot Bob, didn’t sugarcoat it: Luka’s real issue isn’t extra pounds – it’s a lack of defensive fire. For Horry, dropping 40 points doesn’t help if your guy scores 35. And in a city like LA, where every defensive lapse hits X (formerly Twitter) before the buzzer, there’s nowhere to hide.
“He’s got the tools – he’s just not using them”
Robert Horry isn’t questioning Luka’s physical gifts – just his willingness to put them to work. “If you can blow by guys on offense, that means you’ve got fast-twitch muscles. Basically: you’ve got the tools, bro, use them.”
While Luka Doncic rarely fires back at critics, he dropped a quiet gem during Mind the Game, the podcast hosted by JJ Redick and LeBron James. When Steve Nash praised him for staying composed under OKC’s defensive pressure, Luka just smiled and said:
“I’ve got speed, I just don’t show it.”
That one line says it all. Luka’s never been a burner like Ja Morant, but his footwork, timing, and court vision bend the game to his pace. He ranks among the league’s elite in pick-and-roll efficiency and isolation scoring – and coaches like Rick Carlisle have praised his sneaky quickness for years.
LeBron acknowledges the passing torch: “It’s his decision”
Even LeBron James, who has shared both court and podcast time with Luka, seems to recognize that the future no longer belongs to him. When asked about Doncic’s growing leadership, LeBron kept it real:
“He’s 26. I’m 40. He’s got to make his decision.”
The message is crystal clear: the generational shift is underway. LeBron heads into his 23rd NBA season, and while he’s expected to return for one more year, everything about his tone – and Rich Paul’s comments – suggests that this is a year-by-year situation focused on family first. The Lakers are already preparing for life after him.
Luka takes control in first playoff run as a Laker
The trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles wasn’t just another ring chase for LeBron. It was a bet on the future. And Luka didn’t waste time making his presence felt. In his first playoff run as a Laker, he averaged 30.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, leading the offense, keeping games competitive, and showcasing franchise-level brilliance.
The team didn’t go deep, but the message was loud and clear: this is Luka’s team now.
The Lakers are now Luka’s show
With LeBron winding down and a new timeline emerging, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick are already shifting gears. The roster is being retooled to fit Luka’s game – more spacing, more shooters, and defenders who don’t need touches. The plan is evolving from LeBron’s final push to Luka’s prime.
The Lakers aren’t just reshaping their lineup – they’re entering a new era. The LeBron chapter is closing. The Luka chapter is just beginning. And all signs point to him being ready for the spotlight.
Read the full article here
