Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is speculated to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ pick to be the eventual successor to LeBron James. However, a Laker legend is not too keen on the idea.
On last Friday’s episode of “The Mismatch” podcast, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the Lakers had already started eyeing the Slovenian superstar. O’Connor said that the Lakers’ lackluster offseason had them preparing for Doncic’s eventual free agency instead of going all in on building their team around the 39-year-old James.
“I’ve reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka in the future. We’ll see if that works out. Dallas just made the finals. Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast,” O’Connor said. “That may not work out, but the Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly they’re still thinking long-term at this point. They’re not going all in like you might expect many teams to do with LeBron James.”
Robert Horry, however, seemed to have reservations on whether or not the Lakers should target Doncic when he becomes a free agent. “He ain’t the best defensive player now, and that’s the Lakers’ problem,” the former Laker said on Wednesday’s episode of “The Big Shot Bob Pod.”
Horry said that Doncic’s play style is less likely to age well with the Lakers due to his below-average defensive capability and questionable physical fitness.
“You’ve gotta have some athletic guys that can play some defense, and Luka, he can score with the best of them, but you also know you’ve got to take beers out of his hand because he ain’t going to stay in shape. He’s going to be good, but he ain’t going to be what you need, probably,” the seven-time NBA champion quipped.
LA Lakers’ apparent Luka Doncic plan similar to failed Giannis Antetokounmpo plan, says Robert Horry
Robert Horry compared the Lakers’ apparent interest to acquire Luka Doncic to the franchise’s previous failed free agency plan.
The Lakers were heavily connected to Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and wanted to take him from the Bucks as soon as he became a free agent. However, the Greek-Nigerian superstar opted to re-sign with Mikwaukee in a three-year, $175.4 million contract extension.
“Do you remember we had the same scenario about two or three years ago when we were talking about Giannis?” Horry said. “You know, the Lakers were playing the long game to get Giannis.”
Horry also expects the Lakers’ desire to acquire Doncic to be in vain. Furthermore, he appears to take all of it as just a made-up rumor.
“It’s either these Lakers lovers, who are just trying to throw rumors out there, or it is people who just sit around thinking, ‘What insane [expletive] can we say?'” Horry mused.
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