ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs , targeting Luka Doncic’s defense as a major flaw. The Timberwolves closed out the first-round series with a 103-96 victory in Game 5, and Perkins singled out Doncic despite the guard playing through a back injury.
Perkins made his stance clear, calling Doncic the worst defensive star in modern NBA history. His strong take even surprised his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith, but Perkins stood by his words.
Kendrick Perkins’ blunt assessment of Luka Doncic’s defense
During the postgame analysis, Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words when evaluating Luka Doncic’s impact on the defensive end.
"Luka Doncic is the worst defensive star that we’ve seen in the modern era of basketball. Period," Perkins said. (H/t: ClutchPoints)
Luka Doncic, who suffered a hard fall in the first half, returned to play through the injury but was visibly limited. He still managed 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, but Kendrick Perkins focused on his defensive shortcomings as a key reason for the Lakers’ struggles.
Minnesota Timberwolves dominate despite Anthony Edwards’ off night
While Doncic led the Lakers in scoring, the Timberwolves controlled the game behind Rudy Gobert’s dominant performance. Gobert finished with 27 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks, overpowering the Lakers’ thin frontcourt.
Anthony Edwards had an unusually quiet night, scoring just 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting, including 0-for-11 from three-point range. However, contributions from Julius Randle (23 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (10 points off the bench) sealed the win for Minnesota.
Los Angeles Lakers face tough offseason decisions
The Lakers’ front office has several issues to address after a disappointing playoff exit. Their failed trade for Hornets center Mark Williams left them vulnerable in the paint, and the Timberwolves exploited that weakness by outrebounding them 54-37 in Game 5.
With questions surrounding Doncic’s extension, LeBron James’ future, and roster construction, the Lakers enter a critical offseason that could shape the franchise for years to come.
Also read: NBA HOFer Declares Los Angeles Lakers' Championship Hinges on Passing Torch from LeBron James to Luka Doncic - "You have to get out of the constraints!"
Kendrick Perkins’ harsh critique of Doncic’s defense adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the superstar’s impact and whether the Lakers can build a contender around him.
Perkins made his stance clear, calling Doncic the worst defensive star in modern NBA history. His strong take even surprised his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith, but Perkins stood by his words.
Kendrick Perkins’ blunt assessment of Luka Doncic’s defense
During the postgame analysis, Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words when evaluating Luka Doncic’s impact on the defensive end.
"Luka Doncic is the worst defensive star that we’ve seen in the modern era of basketball. Period," Perkins said. (H/t: ClutchPoints)
Did JJ Redick let the Lakers down in their series against the Wolves? 🤔 @KendrickPerkins and @stephenasmith DISAGREE on how the Lakers lost 👀 pic.twitter.com/oTrgWWmPeK
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 1, 2025
Luka Doncic, who suffered a hard fall in the first half, returned to play through the injury but was visibly limited. He still managed 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, but Kendrick Perkins focused on his defensive shortcomings as a key reason for the Lakers’ struggles.
Minnesota Timberwolves dominate despite Anthony Edwards’ off night
While Doncic led the Lakers in scoring, the Timberwolves controlled the game behind Rudy Gobert’s dominant performance. Gobert finished with 27 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks, overpowering the Lakers’ thin frontcourt.
Anthony Edwards had an unusually quiet night, scoring just 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting, including 0-for-11 from three-point range. However, contributions from Julius Randle (23 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (10 points off the bench) sealed the win for Minnesota.
Los Angeles Lakers face tough offseason decisions
The Lakers’ front office has several issues to address after a disappointing playoff exit. Their failed trade for Hornets center Mark Williams left them vulnerable in the paint, and the Timberwolves exploited that weakness by outrebounding them 54-37 in Game 5.
With questions surrounding Doncic’s extension, LeBron James’ future, and roster construction, the Lakers enter a critical offseason that could shape the franchise for years to come.
Also read: NBA HOFer Declares Los Angeles Lakers' Championship Hinges on Passing Torch from LeBron James to Luka Doncic - "You have to get out of the constraints!"
Kendrick Perkins’ harsh critique of Doncic’s defense adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the superstar’s impact and whether the Lakers can build a contender around him.
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