Is Doncic’s defense a problem for the Lakers?

Can Luka Doncic lead the Lakers to an NBA championship? For Olden Polynice, the answer is no, at least until the Slovenian changes his approach on defense. His offensive talent is unquestioned, but according to the former NBA player, scoring and creating offense are not enough to carry a team all the way.

Appearing on the Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast, Polynice did not mince words when asked whether it is possible to win a championship with a superstar who struggles so much on his own end of the floor.

Absolutely not. It’s impossible. You can’t be a great offensive player and defend like a high school kid. It doesn’t work. And that’s exactly where he is right now

Olden Polynice

Byron Scott feels the same way. The former Lakers player and coach recognizes Doncic’s value, but believes he needs to do much more when his team does not have the ball. And he is not just talking about one-on-one defense.

Is Luka a superstar? Of course he is. But on the other end of the floor, he has to learn how to be a good help defender, something he hasn’t shown so far. When a player gets by you, you have to get back into the play. You have to make a second and third effort

Byron Scott

Doncic’s offensive talent has never been in question. For Polynice and Scott, however, if the Lakers truly want to contend for the championship, the Slovenian will have to start making a difference when the other team has the ball as well.