Despite the Lakers’ defeat, Luka Doncic delivered a strong offensive performance. However, the loss pushed Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins to compare him with Anthony Edwards exposing Luka’s shortcomings with a harsh take.

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-104 to take a 2-1 series lead.
© David Berding/Getty ImagesAnthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-104 to take a 2-1 series lead.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a surprising result. Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic stood out on offense.

 However, individual defensive mistakes hurt the team’s chances and led to the defeat. After the game, former Lakers player Kendrick Perkins criticized Luka Doncic’s performance on Game 4. He made a strong statement and compared him to Anthony Edwards.

“I saw what Nico Harrison was talking about…the reason why he traded Luka  because he felt that Dallas Mavericks won’t not be able to win a championship with Luka.

I did feel that way watching the game…I said to myself  ‘Anthony Edwards is going to win a championship before Luka Doncic’ ‘Anthony Edwards is built different’.

‘Anthony Edwards is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic’,” stated Kendrick Perkins on ESPN.

Luka Doncic scored more than 30 points in three of his last four games against the Timberwolves. However, he struggled badly on defense.

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His lack of effort on that end of the court drew criticism from fans and former players like Kendrick Perkins.

Even LeBron James, who is 40 years old, showed greater commitment. He grabbed nine defensive rebounds and became the Lakers‘ best player in that area.

Doncic’s scoring talent remains unquestioned, as he ranks among the best offensive players in the league.

However, Anthony Edwards exposed his flaws with a complete performance in NBA Game 4. Edwards contributed on defense, created plays, and still scored 43 points. 

He did all this while being three years younger than Doncic. If Luka had shown more defensive commitment, his team might have had a better chance to win the game.

Luka Doncic reacts during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Houston Rockets

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.

Is Luka Doncic the real problem for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA playoffs?

Luka Doncic faces constant criticism in these playoffs, which seems unfair for many fans. He has been the team’s best offensive player.

Although his defensive work remains weak, judging him solely by that aspect ignores his true impact. Moreover, when a player dominates offensively, the team must surround him with the right support. This is exactly what JJ Redick tries to do with him on the Lakers.

However, the team has struggled physically, and that may have caused the difference in this series. The Timberwolves arrived in better shape and better prepared physically. Also, Doncic suffered a stomach problem in Game 3, which limited his physical condition.

 Luka’s role is not to focus on defense, just as Dorian Finney-Smith does not carry the offense. Therefore, while better defensive support would help, his struggles cannot be blamed only on him.