NBA – « That’s the issue with him, not his weight »: Luka Doncic tackled at the Lakers

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

Determined to lose weight, Luka Doncic is set to return to Lakers form in the autumn. But while fans are delighted with the news, Paul Pierce doesn’t think it will make any difference what happens next.

Heralded as aggressive for this summer, the Lakers want to recruit a pivot and other players, all with one ambition: to win the title next season. That’s to be expected with Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the roster, but many believe the franchise doesn’t stand a chance when you look at the competition. Let’s just say that the Western Conference is crowded these days.

But it’s still hard to judge this team after a trade as important as the one between Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic. The summer will do both men good to fully recover from this event, and we’re already looking forward to seeing them again in September for training camp. And Doncic may be in for some changes.

Luka Doncic’s big problem highlighted

Determined to lose weight after much criticism from the Mavericks, Doncic has appeared in good physical shape recently. Perhaps we’ll have confirmation in August for the EuroBasket with Slovenia, but it’s news that delights some people. But not everyone. For his part, Paul Pierce isn’t totally convinced.

Should we be optimistic? Celtics legend wonders:

Paul Pierce on Luka Doncic : “I don’t know. The guy averages 30. He averages 30, eight and eight, and y’all talking about his weight. Let’s talk about his mentality on defense ’cause I figure that’s the issue.”

Doncic’s defense has been the talk of the playoffs, and not to drop compliments. Many have accused him of not putting in the necessary effort.

So he wasn’t the only one, but it’s true that Luka disappointed in this area. He’s capable of doing better, as we’ve seen with the Mavericks in the past, but he just doesn’t feel like it sometimes. So Pierce thinks this is the real issue for the player:

Pierce : “No, that’s a mentality. Defense is a mentality. Rebounding and the effort stuff is hustle mentality. It has nothing to do with his weight because as far as his production, he’s one of the most productive players, been First Team All-NBA every single year. So, don’t make this a weight thing and try to throw us off the subject. He need to learn how to play some damn defense and not get isolated and picked on. That’s the issue with him, not his weight.”