It would be silly to say Luka Doncic isn’t a superstar. The Lakers guard has been sensational. Doncic leads the league in scoring and is among the most influential personalities on the court. But the Lakers have now lost three straight games with a healthy roster. That’s where the attention goes to the little parts of the Slovenian’s game that are missing.

Max Kellerman feels Doncic hasn’t learned from his past mistakes. Ironically, the former ESPN analyst blames his dominance as one of the reasons the Lakers are struggling to find consistency and rhythm.

“Luka Doncic, because he can get a high percentage shot whenever he wants, it has stunted his development as a player in a lot of respects, right? Because why wouldn’t you do that? You want to score on this possession. But as a result, you know, guys are standing around, they’re not playing with energy, they’re not moving without the ball, they’re not touching the ball, they’re not in rhythm, they don’t can’t get hot from outside,” Kellerman told Bill Simmons.

Doncic is the only floor general to have the ball in his hands. He ranks third for time per possession. He also ranks in the top five for assist points created per game, at 21.5. That really isn’t the problem. The Lakers just don’t have the shooters to capitalise on Doncic’s gravity. They got Luke Kennard, but he barely shoots from beyond the arc.

Yet, there is an alarming issue about his game, which Kellerman pointed to. “He complains on every call and doesn’t play defense hardly ever. like maybe one of the worst defenders in the game, even though he has the size to play some defense at least,” said the analyst. As harsh as it sounds, there’s some truth to it. Bill Simmons pointed out it’s one of the things “Dallas got fed up with”.

Luka Doncic doesn’t have a reason to argue. He averages the most free throws and draws the second most fouls per game. Yet, the constant engagement with officials leaves the Lakers vulnerable. There are greater battles to fight than those with the referees.

Sadly, Doncic has known that.

Luka Doncic needs to take his own advice

By the numbers, Doncic is a bona fide MVP candidate. But team record matters. It dissects the true impact of a cornerstone. That’s the reason Jaylen Brown’s case is being pushed forward by analysts, and even LeBron James. Brown’s impact goes both ways and has the Celtics sitting as the second seed.

Doncic’s complaining indirectly keeps him away from the defensive end. He’s got into top shape to address those concerns. But it’s his emotions that keep him from being one of the great leaders.

At this point, Kellerman doesn’t have him in the same class as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, or Nikola Jokic. And while it’s hard for Doncic to control his emotions, he has known from his time with the Mavericks that it’s a habit he needs to control better.

In 2021, he told ESPN, “It’s something that I’m not supposed to do. [It’s difficult] with all the emotions in games, but obviously I’ve got to stop. It’s just hard for me on the court with all the emotions, but I realize it and I’ve got to work on this. It’s tough to do it, but I’ve got to work on it and be way better than this”.

Still, three years later, Doncic took them to the Finals. Simmons feels the Lakers aren’t constructed to amplify the Slovenian’s talents. Still, it’s up to the 26-year-old to flip the narrative going forward.

Luka Doncic can’t control the official’s whistle. His response to any sequence remains in his hands. For the Lakers to really excel, Doncic needs to address these flaws and make the necessary change. There’s still time for a storming run for the Lakers. And if their leader showcases he’s capable of change, teammates will certainly follow his lead.