Lakers’ Luka Doncic Sends Blunt Message to His Critics

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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110.

Slovenian guard Luka Doncic has been the subject of a lot of criticism of late, be it for his poor defense, his incessant complaining to officials or his tendency to monopolize the basketball. After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-104 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, he had a message for his critics.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of noise outside, but like tonight, we can’t pay attention to that,” Doncic said after posting 28 points and nine assists, via Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. 

Doncic, who shot 10-of-16 from the field, made a crazy trick shot in the third quarter after he lost his handle and slipped to the floor.

“It was on purpose,” Doncic joked. “I tripped on purpose.”

Luka Doncic Makes Insane Shot

Lakers head coach JJ Redick was not surprised by his best player making an impossible off-balance shot, explaining why there’s an element of “daring” to Doncic’s game.

“Coach K used to always use the word daring; there’s a daring to Luka’s game,” Redick said of Doncic’s hot. “One of the many reasons that makes him such a special player.”

Redick also addressed the scrutinity surrounding the Lakers, who are 3-3 since the All-Star break.

“Again, just the world is falling for us 19 times (after double-digit losses this season),” Redick said, via the LA Times.

“ It’s just part of the nature of this cycle and our guys. … Our guys bounced back and responded well throughout the season. Tied in the lost column for fifth (with Denver in the Western Conference) and a couple games out of third with a number of these teams coming up that are right there with us. So, we just are going to keep plugging away.”

Meanwhile, LeBron James had 24 points and five assists, while Austin Reaves chimed in with 12 points and two assists. The team also got useful contributions from Luke Kennard (11 points, 3-of-5 3PT), Deandre Ayton (12 points, four rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (eight points). Doncic’s former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Maxi Kleber, also provided a boost off the bench with six points and six rebounds.

Luka Doncic Faces Criticism

Doncic was subject to a lot of criticism in the past week, with analysts like Zach Lowe and Max Kellerman calling him out for his tendency to “whine” to referees.

“The whining is back to peak Dallas levels,” Lowe said on his podcast.

“It’s every [expletive] 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, and unwatchable. I hate it because he’s a genius. He’s a literal basketball genius, who can get any shot, and any pass he wants.”

Kellerman was even harsher in his criticism.

“Luka statue is going to be him complaining to the refs,” he said.

“Every trip down the floor you are complaining to the refs. Every trip down the floor? Even when he hits the shot. No you are not going to get the and 1, it can’t be that the refs blow every call on Luka.”

The Lakers (36-24) will next host the Pelicans (19-43) on Tuesday night.

Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan