Luka Doncic is always commended for his outstanding offensive skills. However, Doncic lacks effort on the defensive end, an aspect of the game where he’s always criticized. He’s getting exposed for his laziness on defense with the Los Angeles Lakers. On Monday, the five-time All-Star’s defense was the topic that DeMarcus Cousins discussed on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.”
Cousins pointed out on Doncic’s defensive lapses and compared him to James Harden. Like Harden, the former NBA star said that the Lakers should be heavily criticized. During the 11-time All-Star’s time with the Houston Rockets, the offense ran through him. Because of the load he had to carry on offense, the 2018 MVP wasn’t given challenging assignments on defense.
“We’ve seen the greatest version of it in James Harden. That style of play was critiqued then. What’s the difference now?
Luka Dončić and James Harden are two of the most potent offensive playmakers the NBA has ever seen, but the way their defensive deficiencies are discussed couldn’t be more different 🙄
Boogie Cousins says Luka should be held to the same standard Harden was in his prime —… pic.twitter.com/AAbwu0gJSv
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 6, 2026
Cousins wants the critics to do the same for Luka Doncic’s defensive lapses.
“Keep the same energy. The same energy y’all had for James Harden, let’s have the same energy for Luka Doncic.”
Luka Doncic had high praise for the Lakers’ team defense against the Grizzlies
On Sunday, Luka Doncic and the Lakers had a 120-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Doncic led the game with 36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Although he led the team in scoring, the Slovenian star highlighted the team’s effort on the defensive end.
“We got to get back quicker and that’s what we did,” the star said.
“That’s how we got to close game downs. We were down what, four, I think, in the fourth quarter. We came back, won by six,” Doncic added. “I think Jake [LaRavia] was amazing today. DA [Ayton] was good. Props to everybody.”
Doncic was somewhat active on the defensive end, as he ended the game with a block. Still, the Lakers haven’t solved their defensive woes and demand effort from their best players.
