Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper is not fully convinced that trading for Luka Doncic was the right move. Speaking on ESPN LA, Cooper expressed his concerns about how the deal impacted the team’s defense.
“I think the Luka trade was questionable. That still remains to be seen,” Cooper said, via HoopsHype. “But I think we’re heading in the right direction because, again, LeBron one day is going to retire, and we’ve got to have that piece.”
Cooper acknowledged Doncic’s offensive ability but questioned the defensive sacrifices the Lakers made in the trade.
“I don’t necessarily like the trade—I respect the trade,” Cooper continued. “Okay, I like the trade because you had Christie, a young, good perimeter defensive player—very good—and AD. That’s defense. Defense wins championships, and they don’t have that now.”
The former Lakers star pointed out that Los Angeles now leans heavily on offense. “You’ve got probably three of the worst defensive players on the Lakers team, but three of the best offensive scorers on the Lakers team—Luka, Reaves, and LeBron.”
Doncic has been adjusting to his new role in Los Angeles while managing a calf injury. In six games with the Lakers, he is averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 27.8 minutes per game. Before the trade, he posted 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 35.7 minutes for the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic made his Lakers debut on February 10 against the Utah Jazz, scoring 14 points in 24 minutes. His best performance so far came on February 22, when he dropped 32 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
The trade that brought Doncic to Los Angeles was one of the biggest in recent history. The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick were also sent to the Utah Jazz as part of the three-team deal.
The Lakers (34-21) currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference, positioning themselves for a potential home-court advantage in the playoffs.
With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, the front office made a move to secure a long-term star.
