The Los Angeles Lakers’ losing streak has reignited doubts about their true competitive ceiling. With every defeat, championship hopes fade, and criticism points to a recurring issue: defense. In that context, Luka Doncic has become the main focus of scrutiny, despite continuing to post MVP-level offensive numbers.
Warning signs appeared early in the 2025–26 season, even when results were positive. Analysts and former players warned that the team’s defensive solidity did not match that of a true contender. Now, with negative momentum firmly in place, the criticism has grown more direct. Analyst Chris Mannix did not hesitate to label Doncic a “big problem” for the Lakers.
Mannix explained that one of the Slovenian star’s most damaging habits is his tendency to complain to referees on nearly every offensive possession. That behavior, he noted, leaves the Lakers at a disadvantage for several crucial seconds.
“Luka Doncic often shows minimal effort on defense,” Mannix said on the Open Floor podcast. “More often than not, Luka Doncic complains to the referees, and when he does, he leaves the Lakers playing four-on-five.”
A problem that repeats in key moments
According to The Sports Rush, Mannix pointed to the Christmas Day loss against the Houston Rockets as a clear example, calling it one of the team’s worst performances of the season. “Go back to that Christmas Day game,” he continued.
“How many times did Luka Doncic think Amen Thompson fouled him? Or that Tari Eason fouled him? He let his frustrations with the officials consume him.”
“Luka Doncic cannot play basketball without the ball. He don’t cut. He don’t move. He don’t set screens. He’s great with the ball. He does nothing to make his teammates better when he doesn’t have the ball.”
– @SamMitchellNBA pic.twitter.com/qzQK8GZStF— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) December 27, 2025
Mannix acknowledged that, in theory, the Lakers’ roster has enough talent to compete in the Western Conference. Even figures like Kendrick Perkins have previously questioned the team’s defense. The issue becomes more severe when the best player—and likely the best scorer of his generation—fails to provide effort on the defensive end.
Doncic, of course, cannot be dismissed. His offensive impact remains decisive. However, the lack of defensive commitment continues to take a toll.
“At best, [Luka] is a below-average defender… but too many times he leaves the Lakers stranded, forcing them to play four-on-five,” Mannix added. He also noted that he no longer expects LeBron James, at 41 years old, to carry the team defensively.
The analyst also criticized Austin Reaves for not giving full effort on defense. Still, he returned to Doncic, saying that when head coach JJ Redick complained about players who “make the same mistake over and over again,” he was referring to the Slovenian star. With three consecutive losses and a matchup against the Kings ahead, the Lakers’ margin for response continues to shrink.
