Luka Doncic continues to rank among the league leaders in scoring and usage, but his defense has become a measurable concern for the L.A Lakers. The issue surfaced publicly after veteran voices broke down how teams attacked him possession by possession.
Carmelo Anthony and PJ Tucker addressed the topic on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast. Their comments focused on defensive responsibility rather than offense. Both pointed to patterns that show up repeatedly in matchup data and lineup results. The discussion also questioned why those issues remain unchecked inside the locker room.
Carmelo Anthony and PJ Tucker Explain Why Teams Target Luka Doncic
On the latest episode of 7 PM in Brookly,n PJ Tucker addressed the defensive woes linked to Luka Doncic:
“I need Luka to do the little things to be able to get the stops and put us in position to win and not be in coverage, throwing your hands up and all the mannerisms like you don’t give a sh*t,” Tucker said on the podcast.
Carmelo Anthony and PJ Tucker discuss Luka Doncic terrible defense and Melo says that’s why Veterans like Udonis Haslem are needed in the league 👀
PJ: I need Luka to do the little things to be able to get the stops and put us in position to win and not be in coverage throwing… pic.twitter.com/BH1eMv9Mxx
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 12, 2026
Along with him, Carmelo Anthony added context from an offensive standpoint. He explained how opposing players react when they see the matchup.
“When the third or fourth option sees Luka, their eyes are big… This is where the disconnect of not having real vets on your team, Anthony said on the same episode.”
Further added, “This is where the guys like PJ, guys like Udonis Haslem, those guys on the bench can really hold Luka accountable. Has to be somebody on that bench he respects.”
The Lakers are 23-12 with a laughable defensive rating that threatens their postseason chances. Melo’s frustrations stem from the lack of veteran support for Doncic. Especially when he knows LeBron James has relied on similar support.
Meanwhile, StatMuse data shows a good rating for Doncic. The Lakers’ defensive rating with him is 116.9 points per 100 possessions in lineups compared to 123.6 without him.
Off the ball, the numbers remain consistent. With Doncic on the floor, the Lakers allow approximately three additional corner three attempts per game, according to lineup splits. Those shots convert at a rate of nearly 39 percent, which is above the league average. When he sits, that number drops noticeably.
The criticism is not about turning Doncic into a defensive stopper. The numbers show where teams attack. Anthony and Tucker are highlighting why accountability matters before those weaknesses lead to playoff exits.
