Emmanuel Acho slams LeBron James and Luka Doncic for poor backcourt defense in NBA debate
Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho has sparked debate after making a bold statement about
LeBron James
and Luka Doncic during a TV segment on FS1's Speak. Acho said poor backcourt defense is why teams like the Lakers fall short. He pointed directly at
James
and Doncic, raising questions about their roles and whether age and playing style are holding their teams back.
Emmanuel Acho blames
LeBron
James and Luka Doncic's defense for Los Angeles Lakers' struggles
On Sunday, July 14, sports analyst Emmanuel Acho made a strong claim during an episode of Speak on FS1. He pointed to defense, specifically in the backcourt, as the key to winning NBA titles. But what caught attention was how he connected that point directly to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, saying their lack of defensive power has been hurting the teams they play for.
Acho explained his view during a panel discussion while reviewing the Los Angeles Lakers' early playoff exit and what went wrong. He said,
"If you're looking at the construction of NBA champions the last several years, if you look at the back court, you got dudes that can play defense."
He argued that teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks succeeded because their guards could defend well. Then he turned the spotlight on the Los Angeles Lakers, saying the lack of strong defense in their backcourt has been their biggest problem, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing similar roles in different setups.
Emmanuel Acho highlights LeBron James and Luka Doncic in criticism of weak backcourt defense
Luka Doncic, now with the New York Knicks after a shocking trade in February 2025, played much of last season alongside Kyrie Irving for the Dallas Mavericks.
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While Doncic is known for his elite offense, defense has never been a strength in his game. Acho compared that to LeBron James, who is now 40 and still playing major minutes for the Lakers. While LeBron was once considered a strong defender, Acho suggested that time has slowed that part of his game.
Acho's angle wasn't just about pointing fingers. He used their cases to highlight a larger shift in how NBA titles are being won.
'You can have all the offense in the world. But if your guards can't lock in on defense, you're not going to win it all,' he said.
The clip quickly made rounds online and drew mixed reactions. Some agreed, saying defense in the modern NBA often gets overlooked. Others felt Acho was being too harsh on stars who carry most of the offensive load for their teams.
Also Read:
LeBron James shares emotional message after quiet golf session in Vegas and cryptic black screen
LeBron James has not responded publicly. Luka Doncic, who is preparing for his first season with the Knicks, has also stayed quiet.
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