The Lakers recently signed LeBron James to a two-year $101 million contract, after all the chatter about a generous pay cut. But what has the franchise planned for the future? Yes, they have guys like Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and others to take care of business once King James leaves. However, would that be it? Certainly not, and consequently, there have been rumors about Jeanie Buss and Co. looking to play the long game, and surprisingly enough, this plan includes NBA title-aspirant Luka Doncic.

Doncic is quite popular among LeBron fans and they’ll happily welcome the next lead of the Lakers. Of course, the franchise first needs to focus on its current title quest with the 39-year-old’s career soon coming to an end. Nevertheless, Lakers legend Robert Horry went over these rumors and his response will surprise you. “He ain’t the best defensive player now. And that’s the Lakers problem!”

“You know, you got to have some athletic guys that can play some defense. And Luka, he can score the best of them, but you know, we also know you got to take beers out of his hands ’cause he ain’t doin’ to stay in shape. He gonna be good, but he ain’t gonna be what you need probably,” Horry surprisingly claimed on the Big Shot Bob Podcast.

The weight gain rumors don’t seem to come to a halt for Luka! And for the most part, Horry made a great point about the Lakers’ ‘need’. The squad lacks in two crucial aspects, that is, shooting and defense. The Slovenian can score all he wants, but he isn’t the best option on the defensive end, as also seen against the Cs last season. Not to mention, while LA has made additions, there are no major improvements in the squad. In terms of shooting from beyond the arc, Dalton Knecht is the only considerable candidate so far.

It’s still quite early to plan for the aftermath of LeBron James’ retirement. But the Lakers can look to make some moves during the season, with the primary target being a reliable shooter. On the other, Luka Doncic wouldn’t be leaving Dallas anytime soon. Amid the weight gain buzz, and with the regular season two months away, how does Luka Magic plan to fight these allegations?

Luka Doncic isn’t bothered by his physique for now

This isn’t the first time the Mavs talisman has faced such allegations. He’s been in a similar spot before, not once, but twice. Both times, Luka wasn’t exactly troubled by anything, but he was aware of the fact that he had to get in a comparatively better shape to cope. Nevertheless, Doncic did not fail to deliver fitness-wise, successfully going through a 100+ games season, coming off a Finals run along with the OQT, regardless of the result. The Slovenian still has quite some time to get back in shape for the upcoming season.

Not to mention his teammates, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, have already started the grind. It will be exciting to watch the Mavs next season, being the second-most favorite team to win it all. Luka Doncic, who was a strong candidate for the MVP last season, will make another run for the award. So, would the Slovenian want a major change in his career, even after acquiring a new scoring partner? What are your thoughts on a possible trade to the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.