"He Will Never Stop Arguing With Refs": Former Lakers Forward Challenges Luka Doncic to Replicate Steph Curry to Improve One Thing

Luka Doncic has long been regarded as a liability on the defensive end. Now that the LA Lakers face a rough stretch in the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, talk about his defensive capabilities has returned once more. One of those who pointed it out is former Lakers forward Matt Barnes.

In a comment on Instagram in a clip from Sports Illustrated's Open Floor podcast hosted by Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols, Barnes challenged Doncic to reach a level of game shape to not allow himself to be a target defensively, the same way Steph Curry avoided being a defensive liability during his triumphant career with the Golden State Warriors.

"He will never stop arguing w refs, just like Bron never stopped," Barnes said, referring to the topic in the podcast. "But Luka doesn’t have to be a great defensive player, he just needs to get in better shape so he has the energy to not only carry the offensive load but still have the energy to not be a liability on the defensive end."

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"Steph (Curry) use to get picked on as well. But he put the work & effort in to be a good team defender & not a target on the defensive end."

Matt Barnes' IG comment

Before their win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, the Lakers lost three straight games, including on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets, which triggered a passionate call-out on the roster from Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

Doncic has been leading the league in scoring this season, averaging 33.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. He is also tallying 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.

However, opposing teams continued to attack Doncic on the defensive end. Notably, his offseason was highlighted by his body transformation, which saw him lose about 30 pounds.

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Luka Doncic calls for every Lakers player to lock in on the defensive end

Luka Doncic had a scathing declaration following their three-game losing skid. After their loss on Christmas Day, Doncic said everyone must "lock in" on the defensive end.

“All five of us on the floor need to be locked in,” he said. “It’s not going take one guy or two guys or three guys. It’s going to take all five to be great.”

The Lakers are ranked 25th in defensive rating this season, standing among some of the worst teams. They also allowed 116.9 points per game, the 17th best in the league.

The Lakers are currently 20-10 after their win against Kings. They are currently in the fourth seed in the stacked Western Conference, just 2.5 games behind the second seed, and 2.5 games above the seventh spot.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo