The extraordinary offensive talent of Slovenian star Luka Doncic is being overshadowed by his constant complaints to NBA referees. According to several specialized league analysts, the behavior has worn thin across the board and is ultimately weakening the Los Angeles Lakers.
The negative reactions directed at the Los Angeles player have not gone unnoticed, as they continue to multiply after each game. His visible on-court responses have increasingly drawn criticism and raised questions about his composure.
The childish attitudes of Luka Doncic toward referees
Throughout matchups, the Slovenian guard has frequently been seen arguing with officials and even mocking them when he fails to receive a whistle in his favor on what he believes is a foul.
Several NBA analysts have grown tired of what they describe as tantrum-like behavior from the player. The latest to weigh in is Tim McMahon of ESPN.
Luka had two glaring flaws throughout the course of his career conditioning and crying. The conditioning he has made major strides in, he’s crying as much as he ever has… What I can tell you is Luka vents his frustration at the referees. So the more he’s frustrated, the more he’s whining, he’s crying and he, he worries more about sometimes the three guys in the gray jerseys and the five guys in the opposite jerseys. And look, he’s gonna have defensive problems regardless. It’s hard to play defense if you never cross half court ’cause you’re worried about a call that you didn’t get.
The analyst made those remarks on ESPN’s Get Up while addressing Doncic’s conduct with officials.
He is not alone in voicing frustration over what many consider ridiculous reactions from the European star when calls do not go his way. Max Kellerman has also criticized these scenes unfolding on the court with the Lakers.
“And you know how [Pat] Riley has his statue? You know what Luka Doncic’s statue, if he ever gets one, outside of Crypto now is going to be? It’s going to be like this. This is the Luka statue. With his arms out, like this…Every single trip down the floor, you’re complaining to the refs? Luka. Every trip down the floor? Even when he hits the shot? No, you’re not going to get the and-1. It can’t be that the refs blow every call on Luka Doncic.”
He stated this on Rich Paul’s podcast Game Over. But the criticism did not end there. Bill Simmons also shared his impressions, and they were far from flattering.
“The foul btching stuff is the worst it’s been in a while. It’s back to peak unwatchability. It’s every single play. Now it’s back to where it was at, it at its very worst in Dallas when it got so bad that the Mavs had to finally call him out publicly. Yeah. It’s so bad that even LeBron’s like, wow. Wow, what’s this guy? This guy’s really btching for calls.”
Lou Williams, speaking on FanDuel’s Run It Back program, echoed similar concerns.
“Basketball is a game of inches. You lose by one point because you give up possession after possession after possession worrying about referees.”
Despite Luka Doncic’s spectacular numbers – 32.5 points per game, ranking first in the league, along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists – his behavior on the hardwood leaves much to be desired. Critics portray him as a spoiled child who throws a fit at referees when he does not get what he wants.
The Lakers’ upcoming matchups must show considerable improvement, though the task will not be simple.
Phoenix Suns vs. Lakers – February 26, 2026
Warriors vs. Lakers – February 28, 2026
Lakers vs. Kings – March 1, 2026
Lakers vs. Pelicans – March 3, 2026
Nuggets vs. Lakers – March 5, 2026
Read the full article here
