Analyst Blames Luka Doncic For Lakers’ Mess: “Everybody Plays Well With LeBron”

Luka Doncic is facing increasing criticism for his inability to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to consistently win games.

Analyst Blames Luka Doncic For Lakers’ Mess: “Everybody Plays Well With LeBron”

Luka Doncic and Colin Cowherd (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Colin Cowherd criticizes Luka Doncic for not leading the Lakers effectively.
  • Doncic's lack of defensive effort and frequent complaints to officials are highlighted.
  • Analysts question the Lakers' championship potential with Doncic's current performance.

After the Los Angeles Lakers visibly struggled against the Boston Celtics on the day they commemorated the great Pat Riley with a statue, many turned to point their fingers at Luka Doncic. The most telling criticism was that the Slovenian turned towards officials after almost every offensive play to complain about the lack of foul calls.

Critics felt that not only was he letting his team down, but by not rushing back on defense, he was exposing his teammates to take on five opposing players. Now, longtime analyst Colin Cowherd felt there was something more worrying.

We’re a year into the Luka trade. It’s still not working out that well. It can’t take this long. It’s not on 41-year-old LeBron to make it work. It’s on Luka to make it work… He is aging quickly… His athleticism is regressing… Everybody plays well with LeBron.

Colin Cowherd said on The Herd

The FS1 contributor wondered if the Dallas Mavericks gave up on Doncic after seeing how he has regressed athletically at such a young age.

Cowherd pointed out that past comparisons to the great Larry Bird are looking foolish at the moment. Not only was the Celtics great impactful on defense, but he also made every single one of his teammates better.

That has not been the case with the soon-to-be 27-year-old, and that is surprising, as every other player who has played alongside LeBron James has flourished, even highlighting Austin Reaves’ improvement. Cowherd is worried Luka Doncic does not have it in him.

Colin Cowherd questions Luka Doncic’s effort

A short while after finishing his duties on FS1’s The Herd, Colin Cowherd was back on his podcast, and he had a lot more to say about what he thought was going on with Luka Doncic.

Analysts have been questioning Luka Doncic's effort
Analysts have been questioning Luka Doncic’s effort (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

We’re a year into Luka, and he has more technicals than defensive stops…. I’m not blaming it all on Luka, but you do kind of follow the lead of your guy. Even if LeBron had a bad night, he played his ass off. Now is different. For 15 years Kobe, MJ, they had bad shooting nights, they didn’t have bad effort nights.

Colin Cowherd said

Essentially, the 62-year-old was questioning the five-time All-NBA 1st-teamer’s effort on a nightly basis. Cowherd pointed out how most of the Lakers’ losses this season have been blowouts.

In those games, he remarked how Doncic would lose his focus or passion to lead his team back from a deficit. When that happens, teammates tend to follow. Observing all this, Colin Cowherd is worried that unless the guard improves his mannerisms, it would be difficult to justify labeling him a team leader.

Analyst does not believe Lakers can win title with Luka Doncic

Colin Cowherd was not the lone analyst to think that Luka Doncic’s struggles could impact the Los Angeles Lakers adversely. His FS1 colleague, Chris Broussard, said this on First Things First.

A year ago, I would have said there’s no way he’s not getting a championship in his career… He’s in good shape this year, maybe he’s gonna have to get in better shape because as he’s getting older, it’s going to be challenging for him to win.

Chris Broussard said

Even though others have not gone to this extent, the analyst felt that there was now enough evidence to rethink the idea that the Los Angeles Lakers can win a title with Luka Doncic at the helm.

He pointed out how the 6’8″ guard has not developed. If one looks at the Western Conference teams, it is clear they will continue to progress. In such situations, it will be harder for Doncic to lead his teammates wearing purple and gold to a championship.

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