Luka Doncic’s roller coaster of a season ended when the LA Lakers lost their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Slovenian scored 30 points or more in three out of the five games in the first-round, but that was not enough to save the LA Lakers.
The 26-year-old was traded to the Lakers midseason, a move that was orchestrated by Nico Harrison, who was criticised for his comments in a press conference.
Doncic has a contract that could be extended in the offseason and while LeBron James made an interesting comment on what role he had on the player signing a new deal, the five-time All-Star is expected to stay with the Purple and Gold.
Many have expressed their views on what they saw from Doncic in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with several also questioning the work he puts in.
However, his former teammate has shut down those claims and shared what he felt watching a Luka Doncic workout.
Photo by Grace Bradley/Getty ImagesTheo Pinson on Luka Doncic work ethic
Pinson shared the locker room with Doncic for two years when he was part of the Dallas Mavericks.
The 29-year-old confirmed he never participated in an individual session with the guard, but had seen one workout from Doncic which left him mesmerixed.
Pinson said: “Luka is the best point guard in the league,” responding to a debate which also raised the credentials of Jalen Brunson.
“When he got hurt and he was coming back and I’m not exaggerating, might have been the best thing I’ve ever seen.
“I don’t think that ________ missed a shot.”
He also heaped praise on Doncic’s game, stating the Slovenian made others around him better.
“There’s nobody more gifted than Luka, I’m going to be completely honest with you.
“Offensively whatever, he can make other people better, you see what I’m saying.
“I think that’s what makes him better, for a point guard, I need that,” added Pinson.
.@tpinsonn says that Luka Dončić is the best point guard in the league.
Says that Luka tends to workout when no one is watching, but the one time he saw him workout was the most impressive thing he’s ever seen.
🎥: @ToTheBaha pic.twitter.com/UsQNBrBJeN
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) May 9, 2025
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Luka Doncic could add a few more things to his game
Doncic is one of the most incredible offensive players in the game and he has proven that time and again since coming into the league.
He has averaged over 30 points in the postseason and also registered incredible stats in the regular season, but what needs improving is his defensive game.
In the series against the Timberwolves, the Lakers lacked defensive solidity and one of the weak links in that department was Doncic.
His defensive frailties in the playoffs were called out in the NBA Finals last year as well.
Harrison, who traded Doncic to the Lakers kept repeating ‘defense wins championships’ in a press conference after the move, explaining why he decided to trade the superstar.
Although he is one of the best offensive players, Doncic lacks defensive IQ – a skill that is pivotal in the playoffs.
The 26-year-old is playing basketball with the Slovenian national team in the offseason.
He will be looking to work on the defensive side of his game and return next season as a more dangerous player than ever.