Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic was mighty impressive for Slovenia in the recent FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament. He was named to the All-Star Five after averaging 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. More than the numbers, he showed that his slimmed-down physique has allowed him to be even more mobile and active on the hardwood.
However, former NBA player Olden Polynice isn't easily convinced. He pointed out that while Doncic may have dropped some pounds and looks more nimble, it doesn't automatically equate to being a better defender.
Pundits and fans alike have raved about how great Doncic has looked since he committed himself to working on his physique and conditioning. In fact, he worked so hard on this all summer he landed on the cover of "Men's Health" magazine.
Proving that his physical improvements were more than just cosmetic, Doncic went on to dominate for Slovenia in the EuroBasket tournament.
However, Polynice asserted that while Doncic's efforts this offseason are laudable, they still have to translate in the NBA, especially on the defensive end — an aspect of his game that has been criticized in the past.
"I'm going to wait. I'm going to reserve my answer almost till Game 32," Polynice said on Byron Scott's podcast. "You're down 12 in the fourth quarter, and you've got to stand in front of somebody and keep them from scoring. That's when I'll be like, 'Oh, okay.'"
Polynice, a 7-foot center who played 15 seasons in the NBA, added that many NBA players have physiques so chiseled they look like Greek gods. He added that the majority of professional hoopers can also run and jump with the best of them.
However, it takes effort, resilience and wherewithal to play high-quality defense in the big league — something Doncic has struggled throughout his career.
"I love Luka, man. I think he devalues himself," Olden explained. "Because he doesn't play hard all the time on the defensive side. You're killing your greatness, you know, because it's not all about offense. Because I've seen him play defense. He doesn't commit to it all the time. So you devalue yourself, and that's why we talk about it."
Scott agreed with Polynice's take, saying the clear indicator of Doncic's current fitness level will hinge on his defense.
"Right now, he looks good. You're looking at him like, 'Man, Luka looks great. Looks like he's ready to go.' But until you step on that basketball court and actually see him going up and down the floor. And then what most of us are going to do is say: Let's see if he plays defense," Byron said. "That's gonna be the telltale sign."
As generational a talent Doncic is, the one knock on his game has been his defense, so much so that many, including Robert Horry, feel he would never become a top-five player if he only plays on one side of the ball.
"I love Luka's game, but when you look at guys like MJ, Kobe, Olajuwon, Duncan, LeBron, Kareem," Horry said in a separate interview. "All these guys to me played on both ends of the court. That's basketball."
Scott added that Doncic's defensive efforts will also go a long way towards building better chemistry with his Lakers teammates.
"They expect you to be able to stay in front of somebody. And even if you get beat, which everybody in this league gets beat, you can't stop and just quit once you get beat," Scott, a renowned defensive stopper during his heyday, stated. "You've got to have that second and third effort."
"So that's the biggest thing. And then I saw that way too many times last year where he would get beat, and he'd just reach and stay at the free-throw line or top of the key. I'm like, 'Bro, get back in the play,'" he added.
There's no denying that Doncic's newfound commitment to his body's conditioning and fitness level has done wonders for him during the EuroBasket competition. However, the more pressing questions are whether he will be able to maintain this level of fitness throughout a grueling 82-game NBA season and whether this will enable him to better stay in front of his defensive assignments.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
