Iman Shumpert Calls Out Luka Doncic’s Lack of Effort on Defense: “You Can’t Slide Your Feet?”

Iman Shumpert argued that high-scoring offensive stars like Luka Doncic often receive less criticism for poor defense because of their scoring volume.

Iman Shumpert Calls Out Luka Doncic’s Lack of Effort on Defense: “You Can’t Slide Your Feet?”

Iman Shumpert and Luka Doncic (Image credits - Fadeaway World and Yahoo Sports)

Luka Doncic was drafted with the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Since stepping into the NBA, Doncic has been one of the league’s best offensive players.

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026-27 campaign with plenty of doubt and excitement. After LeBron James‘ summer departure, the organization is officially entering a new era with Doncic at the helm.

While the Slovenian star is known for his offensive brilliance, critics often point to his lack of defensive effort. The Lakers have been viewed as a poor defensive team over the last two seasons, and one main reason is Doncic’s low energy on that end of the court.

Former NBA champion Iman Shumpert took shots at Doncic for playing little to no defense when on the court.

You can’t slide your feet. I gotta ask you to play the other side of the game that’s part of the game?

Iman Shumpert pn Gil’s Arena podcast

There is no doubt that Luka Doncic is one of the best players on the court and will always be in the MVP conversation when he is fit and healthy. He was the scoring champion last season as he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 64 appearances.

While he is coming off an incredible season, there were several instances where he was caught slacking in defense. His lack of energy and movement on defense has drawn a lot of criticism over the years. It is also one of the main reasons why many do not view the Lakers as championship contenders.

Shumpert didn’t hesitate to call Doncic out, since defense is an important part of the game. While Doncic may mask his poor defensive capabilities with his offensive numbers, Shumpert still expects more from him on both ends of the floor.

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Former NBA big man calls Luka Doncic a ‘high school defender’

Luka Doncic has few flaws in his game. He is an elite scorer with the ball and can pull off passes that very few players in the league can make.

However, his shortcomings in defense will always be a point of criticism. While he showed signs of defensive improvement last season and is a capable team defender, he is often seen as the weak link in his team’s defense. Opposition’s best players usually try to hunt him down for a favorable matchup.

Former NBA big man Olden Polynice was asked if Doncic can win the championship without playing defense. He said,

Hell no. That’s impossible. There is no such thing. You cannot be a great offensive player and be a high school defender. You can’t do it. And that’s where he’s at right now.

Olden Polynice on Fast Break podcast

Defense is key to winning championships. So Polynice didn’t hold back in saying Doncic cannot win one if he keeps playing like a “high school defender.” In past seasons, Doncic was often seen as overweight and out of shape, but heading into the new season, he looks slimmer and fitter than ever before.

Luka Doncic has to take pride in playing defense if he wants to win a chip

Luka Doncic has been to the NBA Finals before when he led the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. While his first two playoffs with the Lakers did not go the way he would have wanted, there is a sense of growing excitement surrounding the team ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Lakers have made several roster changes this summer. With Doncic as the centerpiece, they have built the team around him, and it is very similar to the team he had in Dallas in 2024.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes Doncic and Austin Reaves will need to elevate their defense to win the championship next year.

People can’t just start licking their fingers and thinking that it’s going to be sweet every time they see Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves. If Luka is trying to deliver a championship, he has to take pride in playing defense. There is no other way around it.

Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today

The 27-year-old has made his intent clear that his goal is to win the championship. While the jury is still out on their chances of going all the way, Luka Doncic is happy and looks ready to go with his new teammates.

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