“You Cry The Whole Game,” Jeff Teague Rips Luka Doncic For Constant Complaining to NBA Referees

Lakers superstar Luka Doncic accused of being a ‘Crybaby’ by Jeff Teague.

“You Cry The Whole Game,” Jeff Teague Rips Luka Doncic For Constant Complaining to NBA Referees

Jeff Teague on Luka Doncic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Luka Doncic has faced criticism for constantly complaining to referees during games.
  • Jeff Teague labeled Doncic a "crybaby" for his behavior after the Lakers' recent losses.
  • Analysts like Max Kellerman and Zach Lowe have expressed frustration over Doncic's incessant whining affecting his gameplay.

It appears that the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic, are starting to look inconsistent since the turn of the year. After their recent 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, the Lakers have gone 14-12 in 2026.

After consecutive home losses, the Lakers have dropped to sixth in the Western Conference standings and are currently on 34-23. Despite their impressive record in the 2025-26 campaign, many still do not view the Lakers as championship contenders this year. Their lack of defense has been exposed against young and athletic teams has been exposed far too many times this season.

Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, Luka Doncic has been the focal point of this team as the Lakers’ front office prepares for life in the post-LeBron James era. The Lakers guard leads the league in scoring and is currently averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in 45 appearances.

While Doncic is in the MVP conversations and is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players in the league, he is constantly nagging officials whenever calls do not go in his favor. It is something that several personalities have called him out for in recent months.

The latest person to call him out this time is former NBA champion Jeff Teague on his Club 520 podcast. Teague labeled Doncic a “crybaby” after the Lakers’ back-to-back losses.

Luka is cold, but you be like damn bro, you cry the whole game. He be in mid dribble then put his arm up and be like, ‘Yo wtf,’ then he’ll shoot it still and ask for another foul.

This is not the first time that Doncic has been criticized for his incessant complaining to the referees. It is something that has remained an issue for the 26-year-old for a while now, and he does not look like he will stop anytime soon.

Max Kellerman takes off on Luka Doncic’s habit of complaining

There have been concerns over the lack of consistency of referees over the last few years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic have all been accused of flopping and looking for foul calls. Ironically, they are the three top contenders for league MVP at the moment.

Analyst Max Kellerman seemed particularly heated while addressing Doncic’s actions on the “Game Over” podcast.

The point is, that is not okay. And you know how [Pat] Riley has his statue? You know what Luka Doncic’s statue, if he ever gets one, outside of Crypto now is going to be? It’s going to be like this. With his arms out, like this. Every single trip down the floor, you’re complaining to the refs? Even when he hits the shot? No, you’re not going to get the and-1. It can’t be that the refs blow every call on Luka Doncic.

Doncic is often criticized for doing it too often during games, and it looks like Kellerman has had enough of it. Doncic’s complaining after a potential missed call has proven detrimental on more occasions than one, often resulting in delayed effort on transition defense and disruptions on offensive possessions. 

Zach Lowe slams Luka Doncic for “unwatchable” complaining to refs

This season, Doncic is averaging a league-best 10.8 shots from the free throw line. However, despite his eye-popping numbers, it seems he is not content with the whistles he’s getting, often whining about the lack of calls.

Zach Lowe feels Doncic’s constant antics make him “unwatchable” this season.

Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Image credits – Los Angeles Times)

The whining. It’s back. Luka’s complaining has reached new heights — peak, slash nadir, Dallas levels. It’s every play. Just play, man. Not everything is a foul. Are you playing to draw a foul or playing basketball? Which one are you doing? Are you playing 1 on 1 with the refs? It’s every possession now. It’s completely out of control. It’s unwatchable.

Doncic has been under fire lately. While emotions do take over in the heat of the moment, he will need to do better in keeping his emotions in check as the season progresses, or it will do his team more harm than good.

Also Read: