Dwyane Wade believes Luka Doncic’s improved defensive effort and elite scoring make him even more dangerous, while Udonis Haslem highlighted the Lakers star’s need for a dominant interior presence.

Speaking on The Wy Network, Wade praised Doncic’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor while remaining highly efficient. He also pointed to a noticeable improvement in the Slovenian star’s defensive commitment during the 2026-27 season.

“He’s scoring the basketball everywhere, okay? Luka can score the basketball everywhere and even when he does he’s very efficient,” Wade said.

Wade argued that teams should build around Doncic’s strengths rather than constantly demand that he become a different player. He credited Lakers coach JJ Redick and his staff with creating defensive schemes that account for Doncic’s weaknesses while demanding more effort from the star.

“Luka effort has went up a notch,” Wade said. “You watched it last year some, but you watched it even more this year.”

Wade added that Doncic’s offensive production remains the defining part of his game, describing what he does at that end as “dynamic.”

The numbers support Wade’s assessment. Doncic is averaging a league-leading 39.3 points through his first 10 games, alongside 7.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists. He is shooting 49.8% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range.

The 27-year-old is also attempting 13.5 three-pointers and 10.9 free throws per game, combining perimeter scoring with constant pressure on opposing defenses. His current scoring average is higher than his previous career best of 33.9 points per game in 2023-24.

Haslem focused on another important part of the Lakers’ offensive structure: vertical spacing around Doncic. He explained that having a big man who can threaten the rim gives the playmaker passing options that defenses cannot easily take away.

“That vertical spacing you can’t emulate,” Haslem said. “You need that vertical spacing especially when you got a guy like Luka.”

Haslem believes Doncic rarely settles for the simplest passing option. Instead, he looks for opportunities to deliver the ball to a big man near the basket or find a shooter on the opposite side of the floor.

“If you don’t have a vertical spacing big, then you ain’t hitting on that, then he can’t get that pass which means you stay at home,” Haslem explained.

He also highlighted Doncic’s step-back three-pointer from the left corner, admitting he had no clear answer for how defenses should handle it.

The Lakers have started the season 10-2 and won six consecutive games, including Monday’s 124-114 victory over Atlanta. Doncic remains the centerpiece of their offense, while Austin Reaves is contributing 25.3 points per game.