“Michael Cooper’s Shocking Critique: Is Luka Doncic Really Too ‘Lazy’ for MVP?”
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks had the best season of his career in 2023-24, with some believing he deserved the MVP award. He posted impressive averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three-point range. His improved catch-and-shoot ability elevated his game, though his defensive improvements were perhaps even more significant, despite a late playoff performance likely hampered by injuries.
However, NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers forward Michael Cooper isn’t convinced by Doncic’s overall game. On his Showtime Podcast, Cooper made bold claims, criticizing Doncic’s defense and even labeling him “lazy.” Cooper chose to bench Doncic in favor of Damian Lillard during a “Start, Bench, Cut” segment, arguing that while Doncic regularly delivers triple-doubles, his lack of speed and defensive hustle were issues.
Cooper acknowledged Doncic’s scoring ability but criticized his tendency to argue with referees and slack on defense. While it’s true that defense is one of Doncic’s weaker areas, calling him lazy seems harsh, given the significant effort he puts into his offensive game. Although criticisms of his defense are valid, Doncic remains one of the NBA’s top players, with a strong chance of winning his first MVP next season.