Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has been on the receiving end of a significant amount of criticism for poor decision-making against the Orlando Magic. With the Purple and Gold suffering a 110-109 loss despite having an ample amount of time to make a winning play, Doncic was heavily scrutinized for passing the ball on the final possession.
The perplexed reactions from the Lakers’ coaching staff and players seem to capture the sentiments of the fanbase. However, a more concerning aspect of Luka Doncic’s shot selection has come to light as Doncic has yet to attempt a single field goal in go-ahead or game-tying situations in the final 90 seconds of the fourth quarter.
Among the 10 times that the Lakers have found themselves in such situations, LeBron James has attempted the most shots (2-5 FG). He is closely followed by Austin Reaves (2-2 FG). Next up is Rui Hachimura (1-2 FG), who had the iconic buzzer-beater in the win against the Toronto Raptors.
Considering that even Jake LaRavia, who plays a tertiary role on offense, has shot 1-1 from the field in this specific situation, Doncic truly finds himself in a bad position.
Statistically, the Lakers are considered one of the best teams in clutch situations. However, when considering the aforementioned statistic, it is evident that this has little to do with Luka Doncic’s performance.
Luka Doncic’s Condition Should Worry The Lakers
For obvious reasons, this will be an extremely concerning sign for the Lakers. Although Luka Doncic currently leads the league in scoring (32.5 PPG), his hesitation to attempt shots in game-defining moments speaks poorly of his fortitude and ability to perform in clutch situations this season.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has found himself in the media spotlight more frequently than during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. With every move being watched and every flaw exaggerated, the 26-year-old’s tenacity was bound to be tested.
His response to the criticism regarding his weight and defensive involvement has been promising, with the stats even supporting his case for being a solid player on defense. Still, the pressure of being a franchise player for the Lakers has been apparent.
Even at 41, LeBron James appears to be the player whom the Lakers rely on in the closing seconds. Alternatively, Austin Reaves has also displayed the ability to take over when the team needs him most.
This development essentially feeds into the narrative about Doncic’s inability to sustain his output in the second half, hinting that the Lakers’ superstar may draw more scrutiny if this continues.
Although his willingness to take accountability for his misgivings is commendable, when considering what hangs in the balance, the Purple and Gold will need their superstar to step up when it matters.
