Recent remarks from NBA legend Eddie Johnson highlight concerns about Luka Doncic’s shot selection affecting the performance of his teammates, particularly LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Johnson expressed that Doncic is taking too many shots and not capitalizing on the talents of those around him.
Luka Doncic’s Shooting Dilemma
Doncic, known for his scoring ability, has recently been attempting around 29 to 31 shots per game. This trend was evident in the Los Angeles Lakers’ narrow 113-110 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on March 23, where Doncic recorded 32 points from 29 attempts, hitting only 11 shots. Johnson criticized Doncic for taking challenging, contested shots while ignoring open teammates like LeBron James.
Statistics and Performance
- Luka Doncic Stats: Averages 22.8-22.9 field goal attempts (FGA) per game with a usage rate of 37.8%.
- Key Game Performances:
- 32 points on 11/29 against Detroit.
- 12/30 against Orlando.
- 60 points on 18/30 against Miami.
- LeBron James Stats: 15.5 shots across 52 games, shooting at 51.3%.
- Austin Reaves Performance: Scored 26 on 10/20 against Orlando.
Trusting Teammates
Johnson’s observations suggest Doncic may be falling into a scorer’s trap. Despite his success, the young playmaker needs to recognize when to pass rather than forcing low-percentage shots. LeBron James and Reaves offer reliable scoring options that are often overlooked, reducing the overall efficiency of the Lakers’ offense.
Doncic’s scoring prowess is evident, yet it may hinder team performance when he overlooks open players. Achieving balance in shot selection and playmaking could elevate the team’s productivity and dynamics, ensuring that all offensive talents are utilized effectively. The Lakers must find a way to encourage Doncic to make smarter decisions, fostering a more collaborative style of play.
