Luka Doncic’s Excuses After Choking on Open 3-Pointer Angers Former All-Star: “He Threw LeBron a Grenade”

Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Orlando Magic by one-point, after Luka Doncic passed an open three-pointer.

Luka Doncic’s Excuses After Choking on Open 3-Pointer Angers Former All-Star: “He Threw LeBron a Grenade”

Luka Doncic choked on a game-winning 3-pointer (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Luka Doncic faced criticism for passing up an open 3-pointer in a crucial game against the Orlando Magic.
  • Former players, including Kenyon Martin Sr., expressed frustration over Doncic's excuses and perceived lack of clutch performance.
  • Analysts suggest that excessive respect among teammates may be hindering Doncic's ability to take charge in critical moments.

After their 1-point loss to the Orlando Magic, the barbarians have been at the gate of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic after he ‘choked’ on an open 3-pointer.

He was already facing a lot of criticism, firstly about his incessant complaining after every offensive possession. Many felt the Slovenian was not only letting his team down on offense, but was also leaving his teammates vulnerable on defense.

Then, they pointed out his inability to make meaningful plays. Even though he racks up most of the points, some former players felt it was not the best way to win games.

After all that, for him not shooting from beyond the three-point line when the play was designed to give him enough space to operate, left a former player fuming.

I don’t like what he said after the game. Damn the shot, ok, you pass it up, ok, cool. But he tried to sell it too far. Dude, we have seen you shoot the ball from a lot further than that… You were a foot behind the 3-point line… You froze up… He threw LeBron a grenade. It would have been hell if Bron had thrown it back to him.

Kenyon Martin Sr. said on Gil’s Arena

The former first-overall pick did not appreciate it when the latter gave an excuse in the post-game press conference that the shot was too far for him.

Kenyon Martin Sr. believes that even if he did not shoot and pass the ball, it was fine. But when he brings up nonsensical excuses like that after costing his team the game, it is unbecoming of the moniker of a leading superstar.

ESPN analyst wonders if Lakers’ mindset is affecting Luka Doncic

While others have been questioning why Luka Doncic has suddenly become the reason for the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems, former WNBA All-Star and current ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike wonders if this is a mindset problem.

Luka Doncic and JJ Redick
Luka Doncic and JJ Redick (Image via Lakers Win/X)

Do they respect each other too much? … This is Luka Doncic’s future. In those moments, maybe you expect, based off of what the built-up system has been for Luka to take over. At the end of the day, the shot was wide open, he could have taken it. Why? What’s the hesitation?

Chiney Ogwumike said on NBA Today

She was referring to how excessive respect can lead to situations where the head coach or team leaders do not want to call out their star players, especially when they are not doing things the right way.

This has been talked about before, where some felt the Lakers do not have a vocal veteran on their team, such as the Udonis Haslems of the world, who would push the likes of Luka Doncic to play better.

Ogwumike hopes JJ Redick understands that he needs to speak up more. Otherwise, his leading superstar might not be motivated enough to do what is needed for them to win.

Gilbert Arenas wants Luka Doncic to take a step back

As others try to figure out what Luka Doncic has to change to help his Los Angeles Lakers win, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas has a simple solution.

No, this is not (NBA 2K). Give up the rock, I’m not a corner dude… If I’m going to be a corner dude, I want to be a corner dude to a dude that could do it faster.

Gilbert Arenas said on Gil’s Arena

The former Washington Wizards star reiterated that this is not NBA 2K, where the point guard dominates the game, and others just stand in the corner, just to get off a few shots.

That is the difference between the video game and real life, where sharing the rock leads to wins. Arenas suggested that if Luka Doncic can take a step back, the rest of the team will get a chance to shine.

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