The Los Angeles Lakers are cruising through the 2025–26 regular season. They are also proving that life without LeBron James, who is currently sidelined with a nagging sciatica issue, can still be smooth sailing.
The purple and gold, who are sitting at an impressive 7–2 record, have found a new rhythm and chemistry, thanks in large part to the brilliance of Luka Dončić, whose all-around dominance has been the talk of the league.
Yet, amid the praise, not everyone seems impressed. In fact, one Lakers legend has recently taken issue with the way Dončić conducts himself on the court.
What Has a Former NBA Player Said Regarding Luka Dončić?
According to Lakers Daily on X, Spectrum SportsNet analyst and former NBA player Robert Horry took a subtle shot at Dončić following the Lakers’ recent win on Wednesday night.
“Sometimes he plays too slow….when sometimes he needs to just go ’cause you saw how Rui was shooting the ball. … Just go at Rui’s guy, kick it to him. … They gonna double team you, so that’s the way to get your guys into the game,” said Horry.
Horry knows winning DNA. He broke into the league in 1992 as the 11th overall pick by the Houston Rockets and made his debut on November 6 of that year.
Across 16 seasons and four franchises, he established a reputation as a star in big moments, averaging 7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 1,107 regular-season games. He hung them up after the 2007–08 season with San Antonio, punctuating a career defined by seven rings and a knack for momentum-shifting plays when it mattered most.
So when Horry speaks, people tend to listen. His recent comments about Dončić, however, sparked a debate. Horry argued that Dončić plays “too slow” at times, suggesting that his methodical pace can hurt the Lakers’ offensive flow.
On Wednesday night, Dončić posted 35 points and 13 assists, with several timely rebounds, including a clutch fourth-quarter assist to Rui Hachimura for a dagger three that helped seal the victory. Still, Horry zoomed in on the drag in Dončić’s tempo, especially during a ragged third quarter in which Dončić went just 1-for-9 as San Antonio ripped a 37–28 run.
Horry claimed that Dončić’s vision and playmaking are elite, but his tendency to hold onto the ball in half-court sets allows defenses to adjust too easily. He suggested that Dončić should have attacked the rim more decisively, especially with Hachimura’s hot shooting night (including two made threes), to draw defensive help and open better looks for teammates.
Instead, Dončić settled for 27 shot attempts in which he made only nine, which Horry felt reflected unnecessary stagnation in key moments. Still, even his critics can’t ignore what Dončić is doing this season. Over his last five games, the Slovenian star has averaged 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game.
Next up, the Lakers prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and all eyes will once again be on Dončić.
