LeBron James’ Former Teammate Goes OFF on Luka Doncic’s Complaining: “Not Gonna Cry Your Way to a Championship”

Lakers superstar Luka Doncic's constant complaining to officials after almost every possession has drawn a lot of criticism.

LeBron James’ Former Teammate Goes OFF on Luka Doncic’s Complaining: “Not Gonna Cry Your Way to a Championship”

Udonis Haslem and Luka Doncic (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Udonis Haslem criticized Luka Doncic for excessive complaining to referees, stating it detracts from his game.
  • Doncic has accumulated 15 technical fouls this season, risking suspension with one more.
  • Haslem emphasized that good teams focus on playing rather than arguing with officials.

Over the past several games, most of the media and fans have been pointing fingers at Luka Doncic, primarily for his incessant complaining that has plagued Lakers games.

Some felt it was becoming a problem where, instead of focusing on playing every possession, the Slovenian was busy arguing with officials, which eventually leaves his teammates exposed on defense.

He has already faced complaints over his lack of effort in that department. Now, for him to go after referees was hurting his team beyond his usually stellar offensive production.

In their last game against the New Orleans Pelicans, it came to a point where game officials warned the Lakers for excessive complaining. Therefore, it seems his attitude is rubbing off on his teammates.

The next step of the evolution of Luka Doncic, stop whining. Stop complaining to the refs. You are not gonna beg your way to a title, you’re not gonna cry your way to a championship. As great of a player as you are, you are taking it away from your game when you are focusing so much energy and effort complaining to the refs.

Udonis Haslem said

LeBron James‘ former teammate highlighted that the good teams have good habits. With Luka Doncic complaining so much, that habit is not only leaving his team exposed, but also draining his energy trying to get a couple more free throws.

Udonis Haslem added that if the 6’8″ guard focuses all his energy on being the dominating scorer he is known for, that is all he needs to upset their opponents.

Luka Doncic earns 15th technical foul

One of the downsides of excessive complaining to officials is that they would start to ignore, even when there was an actual foul. Then, when a player who constantly complains starts to annoy them, it leads to technical fouls.

Luka Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul
Luka Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul (Image via Keith Birmingham/X)

Luka Doncic faced that exact situation against the Denver Nuggets, when officials assessed a technical foul on him, even though he was not yelling or complaining as much as he has been criticized for doing.

Just because I yelled, I guess that’s what he said. I heard 3 other players say the exact same sentence and didn’t get a tech. I was trying not to talk at all. It’s the first thing I said, no warning or nothing… I don’t know what to say.

Luka Doncic said

He was in disbelief over why officials assessed a technical foul against him. However, he did agree with a reporter when asked if he would curb his emotions now that he has 15 technical fouls to his name. One more, and he risks suspension.

Udonis Haslem has words of advice for Deandre Ayton

After giving Luka Doncic advice on how to tackle the rest of the season without hampering his team’s chances of success, Udonis Haslem turned towards another player who has been complaining about his lack of touches.

If this is what your team needs from you to put them in a position to win a championship, then you have to buy in and play your role. I played with the Big 3, the other 12 of us did not have the role we wanted… You are no different Deandre Ayton. Play your damn role and get your ring or not.

Udonis Haslem said

This was the three-time champion’s words to Deandre Ayton, who recently complained that he was being asked to play a Clint Capela role, that is, to rebound, defend, and score easy baskets.

He wants to get more touches and score a lot more points. But Haslem believes the center is not in a position to ask, especially when there is a clear-cut Big 3 in the building. The Miami Heat legend wants Ayton to do what the team asks him to do.

Also Read: