Los Angeles Lakers' Star Luka Doncic Reveals His In-Game Secret 2 Mar 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a play during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers’ Star Luka Doncic Reveals His In-Game Secret

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:30 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is one of the few players who can control their pace on the court. Doncic doesn’t rely heavily on his athleticism and plays at his speed, which makes him one of the most difficult players to guard. On Sunday, the Lakers guard appeared as a guest on LeBron James‘ show, “Mind the Game,” and talked about controlling his pace in the game.

Most fans describe Doncic as a slow player. However, a better word to describe his game is “grounded.” The Slovenian star doesn’t jump that high, even when he’s shooting a jumpshot.

Because of that, the five-time All-Star has built a reputation as one of the few players who don’t maximize their athleticism to take advantage of their opponents. Other players who fall in the same category are Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun.

NBA icon Steve Nash, James’ co-host, asked Doncic during his appearance on his co-star’s show. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the NBA in defense, were the topic of conversation. When facing a team as athletic and physical as the Thunder, the former Phoenix Suns great was asked how he controls the tempo.

“I do have speed, I just don’t show it,” Doncic said (3:53).

Despite not displaying his speed, Doncic usually gets the advantage over his defenders. His ability to dissect the defense has given him countless chances to dominate, even though he doesn’t present himself as the most athletic player on the court most of the time.

James highlights the pace of his Los Angeles Lakers teammate

While Doncic doesn’t present his athleticism, James does the opposite. The Los Angeles Lakers star makes the most of his chances by showing off how athletic he is. Even until now, when he’s 40 years old.

Although there’s an obvious contrast to how they handle themselves on the court, James had high praise for how he controls his pace.

“It’s always been his pace, you know? It’s never been a game like, ‘Okay, well, you can speed me up. He can speed me up. This bigger guy can be more physical. This smaller guy can get up underneath me’,” James said.

“He moves at his own pace. And he’s never, ever been on the floor where he’s allowed someone else to dictate where they’re going to put him. It’s always been the opposite.”

According to James, it’s a great thing to have Doncic and his controlled space because it keeps the defense on their feet, always guessing.