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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Zach Lowe can’t help but be frustrated watching Luka Doncic play basketball during the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard is having an MVP-caliber year, but his consistent complaining to referees has caused some criticism aimed at the superstar sharpshooter.
Lowe is the latest NBA analyst to drop a strong take on Doncic’s nightly approach when he doesn’t seem to feel like the game is going his way from a fouling standpoint.
Luka Doncic Gets Called Out
Luka Doncic, Lakers, Chris Paul
GettyLuka Doncic has been called out many times for complaining to NBA referees too frequently.
“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. It’s 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.”
NBA Courtside
Zach Lowe GOES OFF on Luka for his constant complaining to the refs 😳
“The whining is back to peak Dallas levels. It’s every f*cking 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
Doncic falls under a similar category as many fellow NBA stars. Being a high-usage player who seemingly gets a favorable whistle, Doncic is frequently fouled. This season, he’s garnering free throws more than ever.
With 44 games down, Doncic is leading the NBA in free-throw attempts per game with 10.8. His previous career-high was during the 2022-2023 season, when the former Dallas Mavericks guard attempted 10.5 foul shots pr game.
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Sometimes, it seems leading the league in that category isn’t enough. Doncic has had a reputation for complaining on the court often, and it has had an effect on his play at times. For Lowe, he raises a popular point, which is relevant to Doncic, but certainly not exclusive to him.
GettyLuka Doncic is playing through his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-2026. He was traded to LA from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-2025 NBA season. The star guard has remained an MVP contender with the Lakers.
Doncic’s First Season With The Lakers
All complaints aside, Doncic is undoubtedly having a strong first full season with the Lakers this year.
Seeing the court for 35.5 minutes per game, Doncic is averaging 32.8 points, while shooting 47 percent from the field and knocking down 35 percent of his threes. He is scoring at a career-high clip.
Beyond his scoring, Doncic is averaging 8.5 assists per game, along with 7.7 rebounds.
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While the Lakers have had their fair share of struggles this season, they remain a strong contender in the Western Conference.
Holding a 34-22 record, the Lakers are placed fifth, trailing the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve been neck-and-neck with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are 35-23.
Doncic and the Lakers will return to the court on Tuesday, February 24, to take on the Orlando Magic. The game is slated for a 10:30 PM ET tip.