Lakers legend warns team from trying to pry Luka Doncic away from Mavericks

Luka Doncic has established himself as one of the top players in the NBA. In just his sixth season, Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011, led the NBA in scoring, and was third in MVP voting in 2024.

However, despite being a well-known and talented NBA player, not everyone has enjoyed watching his play. From being a well-known trash talker and heavily whining to referees, Doncic has taken a lot of criticsm since he's been in the NBA.

A lot of former players, media members and others will have a hard honest opinion to say about Doncic, and recently another former play had something to say about Doncic.

Robert Horry warns Lakers from going after Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers legend Robert Horry was on his own "Big Shot Bob Podcast," and talked about his beloved Lakers and addressing the issues the Lakers had which was defense. Rob Jenners mentioned the possibility of Doncic joining the Lakers when Doncic could become a free agent in 2026. But, Horry had negative comments toward Doncic.

"[Doncic] ain't the best defensive player now, and that's the Lakers problem," Horry said. "You know, you got to have some athletic guys that can play some defense."

Despite averaging 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocked shots per game over the past two seasons, Doncic's defense was quickly criticized during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

As much as scoring is important in the NBA, defense is just as important. Many elite players in the NBA from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Victor Wembenyama, and even LeBron James at times have the ability to play great defense to go with their scoring.

Doncic also caught some criticism from Horry when he was seen drinking beer with his father Sasa after the Mavs won the Western Conference against the Timberwolves. Mavericks Vice President of Basketball Operations Michael Finley snatched the beer out of Doncic's hand.

"We also know you got to take beers out of his hands 'cause he doin' staying in shape," Horry said. "He gonna be good, but he ain't gonna be what you need probably."

Doncic has been a heavily criticized player for most of his career, but 2024 has been the most Doncic has ever been criticized. Having Doncic criticized this much could be a good thing though for him to come back and silence all the critics.

With Doncic coming off a Finals loss and being heavily criticized this year, it might add more fuel to the fire. Doncic will be in the running for the MVP and be a reason why the Mavs should be an NBA Finals pick.