NBA Redditor points to troubling Luka Doncic trend amid Lakers dealing with LeBron James injury 

After an astonishing eight-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Lakers have met a stumbling block in the shape of superstar LeBron James’s groin injury. This sidelines him for a few weeks. Now, all attention drifts towards their new star signing, Luka Doncic, whom they signed during the February trade deadline from the Dallas Mavericks.

However, just after James’s injury, the Lakers lost their most recent game against the Brooklyn Nets. This has led to doubts regarding Doncic’s leadership in James’ absence. Notably, to add more to this already tense situation, an NBA Redditor pointed out an alarming Doncic trend. This trend revolved around Doncic’s shot distribution and the dunks that he has made from the start of his NBA season.

So, as per the NBA Redditor who is supposedly a Luka Doncic fan, his game is heavily reliant on difficult shot making. Also, Doncic does not go to the basket or go up against length at the hoop with the same confidence. For example, Doncic made 25 dunks in the 2018-19 season. He followed that with 14 in the next season. Shockingly, over the last two seasons (2023-24, 2024-25), he has made just 3 dunks in total.

This showcases Doncic’s lack of confidence going up against length at the rim. It does not end here. If one were to take a look at his shot distribution in 2018-19 in the 0-3 (% of) segment, Doncic was averaging .209 in 72 games. However, over the years, this average has taken a huge hit. This season, Doncic’s shot distribution in the 0-3 (% of) segment is .109 in the 25 games he has played.

Luka Doncic and the troubling change in his shot distribution
byu/Pak14life innba

One thing is clear: Doncic’s ability to go near the rim and make shots is declining with each season. Doncic would need to put in some major effort to regain his burst and bounce back. If he accomplishes that, he has the potential to be the league’s best player.

Shannon Sharpe challenges Luka Doncic and Co. to ‘perform’ in absence of LeBron James

With Doncic on the roster, the Lakers have the skill to beat great teams, which made the defeat to the Nets a team headed for the NBA lottery. According to Shannon Sharpe, the Los Angeles-based team appeared unconcerned about the game at hand. In addition, Sharpe called out the Lakers’ star, Luka Doncic, in the process.

The Lakers are set to embark on a challenging stretch of games that might determine where they stand in the playoffs. While Doncic is a legitimate top-five player on their squad, it may be necessary for more than one player to get them through this difficult period.

Luka Doncic made his opinions clear on Lakers’ loss to the Nets

Even without LeBron James, the Lakers are predicted to beat the Nets (especially after signing a star like Luka Doncic). Notably, Doncic struggled in shooting despite scoring 22 points against the Nets. He went 8-25 and had 5 turnovers to add to the turmoil. After the game, Doncic made his thoughts clear on his side’s recent loss to the Nets.

In his first 12 games with the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 39.9% from the field and 32.2% from three. They have an 8-4 record in that period. The Lakers are 3rd seed in the West and need consistent performances from Doncic and Co. to stay in the upper rankings of the table.

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW