Colin Cowherd Raises Concerns About Luka Dončić’s Athletic Decline
The blockbuster trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the league. Many believed the Dallas Mavericks made a franchise-altering mistake by moving a 26-year-old superstar seemingly in his prime. Expectations in Los Angeles skyrocketed.
A year later, however, some analysts are questioning whether the partnership has fully delivered.
Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Cowherd suggested the fit alongside LeBron James hasn’t progressed as quickly as anticipated.
“We’re a year into the Luka trade, and it’s still not working out that well,” Cowherd said, arguing that the responsibility to make the pairing thrive falls more on Dončić than the 41-year-old James. He added that while the Lakers may have won the trade, Dončić’s athleticism appears to be trending downward, pointing to a decline in explosiveness and lift compared to earlier seasons.
Statistically, Dončić remains dominant. He’s averaging 32.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.5 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. But Cowherd emphasized that raw numbers don’t always tell the full story, highlighting reduced transition burst and fewer above-the-rim finishes.
He also pushed back on comparisons to Larry Bird, noting Bird’s All-Defense accolades and suggesting Dončić hasn’t provided similar two-way impact. Cowherd questioned how long chemistry alongside James should realistically take, especially with complementary pieces like Austin Reaves in the mix.
Defense and Fit Under the Microscope
The Lakers currently sit fifth in the Western Conference at 34-22 — competitive but not dominant. Critics continue to spotlight Dončić’s defensive inconsistencies, particularly opponents targeting him in switches. Observers have also noted a dip in his dunk frequency, a stat Cowherd used to underscore concerns about athletic regression.
Beyond physical tools, chemistry remains a talking point. James has historically meshed well with ball-dominant stars, and Cowherd argued that adapting to the Lakers’ structure should fall primarily on Dončić.
Zach Lowe Adds to the Critique
On his podcast, The Lowe Post, Lowe echoed frustration — not with Dončić’s skill, but with his on-court demeanor. He criticized what he described as constant complaints to officials, suggesting the behavior disrupts rhythm and hampers transition defense.
Still, Lowe acknowledged Dončić’s brilliance, calling him a “basketball genius” capable of creating virtually any shot or pass.
There’s little debate about Dončić’s offensive talent. The bigger question is whether questions about athleticism, defensive engagement and composure could ultimately limit the Lakers’ championship ceiling. In Los Angeles, scrutiny comes quickly — and the coming months may determine whether this star pairing silences doubters or intensifies the conversation.
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