Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Father Points Out Luka Doncic’s Flaw as He Leaves Lakers Star Out of Top NBA List

Last season, Mavericks guard Luka Doncic was named the 2025–26 NBA scoring champion, averaging 33.5 points per game and finishing among the top five MVP contenders. He also posted 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, showing his ability to deliver triple-doubles on any given night. Despite all these factors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's father, Vaughn Alexander, kept Doncic out of the NBA's top three point guards, pointing out his one flaw.

“I’m going to say Shai, of course, let’s get that out of the way. Cade Cunningham, number two. Ja Morant," Vaughn told YouTuber YouTube content creator N3on.

"(Luka Doncic) is in the conversation (among the best NBA players). He's in the MVP conversation every year. ... But you gotta play defense, bro," he added, pointing out Doncic's flaw.

Critics often argue Doncic lacks defensive effort. His numbers of 7.1 defensive rebounds and 1.6 steals last season suggest otherwise, though they don’t place him among the league’s elite defenders. Some analysts attribute the perception to workload management, noting head coach JJ Redick prefers to conserve Doncic’s energy for offense.

Otherwise, Doncic is steady when defending bigger players who try to post him up.

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Doncic entered the NBA in 2018 with the Dallas Mavericks, sharing one season with Dirk Nowitzki before taking over as the franchise cornerstone. He was coached then by Rick Carlisle, now with the Indiana Pacers.

“When Luka came, I wasn’t really sure what position he was going to be,” Carlisle told Draymond Green on his podcast. “I thought he was probably going to be a small forward because he was almost 6'8. He kept saying he’s a point guard, and after eight or 10 games, we put him at point.”

"From a talent standpoint, an ability, and everything else, he’s the most unique player I’ve ever worked with; I mean, he’s just so, so good, and he’s a killer,” Carlisle added.

Now, with LeBron James in Philadelphia, Doncic officially holds the keys to the Lakers’ offense in Los Angeles, aiming to prove he can lead while silencing doubts about his defense.