March 2, 2026 was a day that will go down in history for the Los Angeles Lakers, but not for the reasons they had hoped. The Lakers faced off against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it was a nightmare to watch. The outcome was clear from the start, with the Lakers quickly falling behind by 50 points. Fans and even former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy were pointing fingers at one player in particular – Luka Doncic.
The Slovenian sensation, who had been hailed as the future of the NBA, was accused of “hurting teammates” during the Lakers-Thunder game. It was a concerning habit that had been highlighted by Van Gundy and it left fans and analysts alike questioning Doncic’s role in the team.
But before we delve deeper into the accusations, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Luka Doncic was drafted by the Lakers in 2020 and was quickly hailed as the next big thing in the NBA. His incredible talent and skill on the court were evident from the start, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
In his first season with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He followed it up with an even more impressive second season, where he led the Lakers to the playoffs and was named an All-Star.
But it was during the Lakers-Thunder game that Doncic’s “concerning habit” was brought to the forefront. Van Gundy, who was commentating on the game, pointed out that Doncic seemed to be more focused on his own stats rather than helping his team. He accused Doncic of “hurting teammates” by not passing the ball and taking shots even when there were better options available.
This accusation caused a stir among fans and analysts, with many questioning Doncic’s team mentality and leadership skills. But let’s not forget that Doncic is only 22 years old and is still learning and growing as a player. It’s unfair to put such heavy expectations on a young player, especially one who has already achieved so much in his short career.
Moreover, Doncic’s numbers speak for themselves. In the game against the Thunder, he finished with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, leading the Lakers in all three categories. While it may seem like he was focused on his own stats, it’s important to remember that he was also trying to keep his team in the game.
It’s also worth noting that Doncic has been playing without his star teammate, Anthony Davis, who has been out with an injury. This has put even more pressure on Doncic to carry the team, and it’s natural for him to want to do everything in his power to help his team win.
But even with all the criticism and accusations, Doncic has remained composed and focused on his game. He has not let the noise affect him and has continued to play at a high level. In fact, in the following game against the Phoenix Suns, Doncic had a triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Lakers to a victory.
It’s clear that Doncic’s talent and skill on the court cannot be denied. He has proven time and again that he is a valuable asset to the Lakers and is capable of leading the team to success. It’s unfair to label him as a selfish player based on one game, especially when he has consistently shown his dedication and commitment to the team.
In conclusion, while the Lakers may have suffered a blowout loss against the Thunder, it’s important to remember that it’s just one game. Doncic’s “concerning habit” should not overshadow his incredible talent and contributions to the team. As he continues to grow and mature as a player, we can only expect him to become an even more valuable asset to the Lakers and the NBA as a whole.
So let’s not point fingers and make baseless accusations. Let’s instead appreciate and support a young player who has already achieved so much and has the potential to achieve even more. Luka Doncic is a star in the making, and we should all be excited to watch him continue to shine on the court for years to come.
The Lakers may have lost
