The Los Angeles Lakers have had an impressive season so far. After doubts about the Lakers becoming an elite team in the Western Conference again, they’ve proven they’re still capable of greatness.
This has a lot to do with the way the duo of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves has performed this season. A former seven-time All-Star took notice of Dončić and Reaves’ efforts and expressed his thoughts on the Lakers duo.
Tracy McGrady Calls Out Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for Poor Defense
The Lakers have proven to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Los Angeles is currently in third place in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record. With only eight games remaining in their season, they are on the verge of securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.
This is mainly due to the Dončić-Reaves combination throughout the season. Earlier this year, they proved to be an efficient duo despite not having LeBron James alongside them.
However, their tandem was cut short when Reaves sat out in late December due to injury.
During AR’s absence, Dončić and James did everything they could to hold down the fort, keeping the Lakers in the top six in the conference. It wasn’t until Reaves’ return that the Lakers started climbing up the ladder again, proving that his presence next to Dončić matters.
AR has undoubtedly evolved into a star in his own right, averaging 23.6 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His figures have efficiently supported Dončić’s average of 33.7 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
Former seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady noticed how good the duo is together and gave them their flowers.
In a recent episode of “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady,” T-Mac expressed his admiration for Dončić and Reaves’ scoring prowess.
However, he also felt the need to address how terrible they’ve been defensively.
“So Luka and Reaves, that’s what we wanted from them (as a duo),” McGrady said. “Because we’ve seen that in the beginning (of the season), right? Yeah, defense matters. But you gotta be able to score like that, and they’re efficient with their scoring. But they’re so bad at defense.”
.@Tmac_213 is liking what he’s seeing from @lukadoncic and Austin Reaves. @mrvincecarter15 says Reaves stepping into his bag makes the Lakers dangerous come playoff time. @Xfinity pic.twitter.com/OXeL5wG2jj
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) March 30, 2026
There is some truth to McGrady’s concerns. All season long, many have called out the Lakers for having poor defense. Their 20th-ranked defense (115.7) is one of the main reasons many believe the Lakers have struggled to win games at some point this season.
However, with Deandre Ayton recently realizing that he needs to contribute to what his team needs, and Jaxson Hayes reportedly stepping up on defense, Dončić and Reaves can now focus on the offensive side and hopefully lead the Lakers to success come the postseason.
