Luka Doncic
Getty
Lakers' Luka Doncic during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers had a terrible loss on Thursday against the rival Los Angeles Clippers to continue their recent struggles. Luka Doncic delivered another strong offensive effort, but the teamplay looked terrible and unable to get on the same page. The Lakers are currently tied for the sixth seed and could easily fall into the play-in with the Minnesota Timberwolves tied with them.
Head coach JJ Redick actually named Doncic when calling out the team needing to pass the ball more:
“There’s got to be a trust factor with all our guys. Just trust the pass. That starts with Luka. He’s going to have the ball the most of everyone, and he’s got to trust the pass when it gets to him. When he’s playing in a crowd, he’s got to pass the ball. As much as we can talk about being connected on defense, you’ve got to be connected on offense.”
Many of last night’s worst plays featured Luka holding the ball too long and not getting his teammates involved as the point guard. The Lakers made a rally in the fourth quarter with Doncic on the bench for a large percentage of that run. Luka ended the game with a -17 plus/minus, despite the Lakers losing by 8 points.
Luka Must Change When Reaves Returns
An argument can be made that Doncic must play a bit more selfish during the current stint with Austin Reaves sitting out games due to an injury. LeBron James and Luka are expected to shoulder the offense and do more with less talent around them until the team is back to full health.
Reaves is thankfully expected to return over the next few games, and the Lakers will need to see strong improvement ahead of the trade deadline. Redick’s words about the team and especially Doncic needing to pass more will be tested with another star entering the lineup.
The Lakers have shown that Luka and LeBron aren’t enough to carry the team to victories. Reaves must get involved in the offense, like earlier this season, and the role players must get more shots. A team effort is required in today’s NBA for any team to succeed, despite the names involved.
Lakers Losing Putting Pressure On Luka
The Lakers have high expectations every season, but fans expect them to contend right now with three All-Star caliber players on the roster. Outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s core, most pundits would name the Lakers as having the next best trio in the league.
Doncic must improve his passing and set teammates up to get the best out of everyone. Past success with the Dallas Mavericks proved that Luka can pass the ball effectively and make his teammates reach their full potential.
However, the Lakers have a unique roster with James and Reaves needing the ball more. A more free-flowing offense is the only way the Lakers and Doncic will be able to achieve any real success this season. Redick calling out Luka makes it clear that he realizes this is a problem and publicly calls him out for it.