Analyst Max Kellerman suggested on the Game Over podcast that the Lakers should “give serious consideration” to trading Luka Doncic, citing his lack of defensive effort and fit with Austin Reaves.
It’s been almost a year since Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade, and while his individual numbers remain elite, the team’s success has not followed.
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The Lakers started the season looking like contenders, but defensive issues and chemistry questions have left them struggling.
Discussions about the team’s direction have gotten so heated that even LeBron James’ agent weighed in on whether Austin Reaves should be traded. Now, analyst Max Kellerman has added fuel to the debate, suggesting that if a move is necessary, it should be Luka.
“Let me say what I would do. If I were the Lakers, I would give serious consideration to moving Luka!” Kellerman said on the Game Over podcast.
He made the comment in a lighthearted context after a back-and-forth with his co-host, but it also touched on a real concern: defensive effort.
“If you want to win a championship, I believe that your best player needs to at least be someone who is willing to play team defense,” he added. He also noted that Doncic and Reaves may not fit together defensively.
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Kellerman compared Doncic to players like Stephen Curry, who are not elite defenders but are willing to buy into a team system.
He suggested Doncic does not show that same willingness, which could hold the Lakers back in their title pursuit.
The discussion echoes past concerns, including those voiced by former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison when the team traded Doncic.
The Lakers acquired him last season to improve their chances of winning a championship, making any notion of moving him for redundancy concerns controversial.
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