Luka Doncic recently signed a $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers and is now preparing to represent Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament. Since the Lakers’ early playoff exit, Doncic has not appeared in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA games, leading many to focus on how he will perform internationally this summer.
Despite his improved physical condition, Doncic’s comments comparing the NBA unfavorably to European basketball have sparked controversy. Samaki Walker, a 2002 NBA champion and former Lakers forward, expressed his disapproval of Doncic’s remarks, accusing the star player of showing disrespect to the league where he currently competes.
Walker acknowledged Doncic’s offensive brilliance but emphasized the importance of respect for both sides of the game.
I personally feel, and I love Luka offensively, but I feel like over the last couple of years he disrespected the NBA because I follow him,
Walker said on The Coach JB Show.
Samaki Walker Questions Luka Doncic’s Defensive Commitment
While Doncic is widely recognized as one of the NBA’s top offensive players, his defense has been a point of criticism for years. Walker joined the voices doubting Doncic’s dedication to the defensive aspects of basketball, expressing frustration with the player’s dismissal of the NBA’s competitiveness.
He goes back to Europe and talks about how soft the NBA is. Yeah, he does not play any defense. I take that personally,
Walker continued.
Taking his criticism further, Walker posed a challenge to Doncic, focusing on the mental and physical requirements of defense.
I want to see if he is actually in shape, and he has the mentality to play defense. Hell, you can get in shape, but it still takes a mentality to play D.
These remarks echo similar sentiments expressed by Gary Payton, who recently called on Doncic to raise his defensive effort ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.
Implications of Walker’s Criticism and What Lies Ahead for Doncic
The tension between Luka Doncic and his critics highlights ongoing debates about his playing style and respect for the NBA. As Doncic prepares for international competition, his defensive approach and attitude toward the league remain under scrutiny.
How he responds to challenges like Walker’s could influence perceptions of his status as an all-around player and affect his legacy with the Lakers and the NBA at large. With both fans and former players watching closely, Doncic’s next season will likely reveal whether he can balance offensive dominance with the mental toughness demanded on defense.