The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic last season and showed promise before their 4-1 series elimination at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
The Lakers' loss was a rude awakening for coach JJ Redick's team as many fans thought LA had the star power necessary to take out Anthony Edwards and the T'Wolves.
Following their loss, fans began calling out Doncic for his allegedly poor conditioning, subpar defense and lack of foot speed on both sides of the ball.
On Sunday, Doncic joined Steve Nash on LeBron James' well known 'Mind the Game' podcast, delivering a two word response that caused a stir on X.
Luka Doncic of the Lakers shoots over a T'Wolves defender.
Doncic shoots over a Timberwolves defender on April 30, 2025.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Doncic was asked by Nash about his speed on the court.
"OKC (Oklahoma City)...So handsy, athletic...They speed people up, they can't speed 'em up.
"What's your take, when you said you have no speed?" Nash asked Doncic.
"I have speed, I just don't show it," Doncic responded.
Doncic's playing style has been described as more in control and in command of his body without playing in a hurry compared to other NBA players.
His ability to change directions and change speeds while keeping his balance, and keeping opponents off-balance, have been described as keys to his game.
In the same vein, he's been roundly criticized for not having the foot speed to stay with opposing players, particularly since adding weight in recent years.
"Luka has the game on a string, he dictates the entire pace of a game," one fan said in response to his comments on speed.
"The GOAT," they added.
"The only thing (he) can do fast is shotgun a beer," another fan added.
"Luka has the best change of pace/speed in the game, the control he has is unreal," another added.
"He could go 100% all the time but it's literally more valuable if he doesn't," they said.