Luka Doncic has been a blessed addition to the Los Angeles Lakers. His partnership with LeBron James sometimes reminds people of the famous Shaq-Kobe duo. Even coach JJ Redick said Luka’s arrival fixed many team problems.
However, there are still questions about his consistency because when LeBron James wasn’t with the team, Luka didn’t perform as well as expected. Recently, popular media personality Colin Cowherd also kept such questions on the table.
Colin Cowherd is unsure if Luka can consistently perform at a high level. On The Herd, he compared Luka’s current performances to his prime days with the Dallas Mavericks and wondered if he could get back to that level.
"We have to be honest about Luka [Doncic]: He has not been consistently great as a Laker… when I watch Luka, he doesn't look like Luka 2 years ago. … I don't think we're gonna see the great Luka this year."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 11, 2025
—Colin Cowherd
(via @TheHerd)pic.twitter.com/kvxACKZBZZ
He said, “We have to be honest about Luka; he has not been consistently great as a Laker. We know he’s playing himself into shape. We know he’s bad defensively.”
He also mentioned that Luka doesn’t look like the player he was two years ago and questioned if he can reach his best form this season.
Luka Doncic told to maximize chance while LeBron is out
The NBA world has seen great potential and good teamwork between LeBron James and Luka Dončić. With LeBron sidelined due to an injury, now, everyone is hoping Luka can step up and lead the Lakers.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne is one of the people who wants Luka to take charge and help the team win while LeBron is out. He said, “This is an opportunity right now for Luka to make it his team.”
“This is an opportunity right now for [Luka Doncic] to make it his team.” @ramonashelburne on how the Lakers can adjust without LeBron James 👀 pic.twitter.com/557MM5bIIX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 11, 2025
However, Shelburne also feels that the 25-year-old doesn’t seem ready for that challenge yet. He added, “He hasn’t looked as comfortable. I thought he was getting there, but in this game, without LeBron, it made me realize, like, oh, this isn’t his team yet.”
