The Los Angeles Lakers have new hope that Luka Doncic will stop complaining to the referees after the superstar turned down playing for the Slovenian National Team for the first time since the pandemic shut down international competition. Doncic cited spending more time with his daughters as the reason he’s not playing. If fatherhood convinced him to take the summer off, could it help him fix his biggest weakness? The Lakers hope so.
Doncic was suspended one game this season for picking up 16 technical fouls. Even when he isn’t getting penalized, the superstar’s constant banter with the referees can prevent him from getting back on defense and takes his attention off his game. It has been a problem throughout his NBA career. Doncic is competitive and passionate, but he must channel his energy from the referees to his opponent.
Luka missed two games earlier this season to travel to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter. He would not be the first world-class athlete to change for the better after having children. Doncic is letting his body rest and spending that quality time with his daughters this offseason. That should give the Lakers hope about cleaning up his worst habit.
Lakers hope Luka Doncic’s maturation tones down his referee issues
Luka is one of the best players on the planet. He just finished fourth in MVP voting and will make his sixth All-NBA team. There is no questioning his talent, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for growth.
The Lakers went on a 16-2 run this season when Doncic was fully locked in. It sadly ended with a season-ending hamstring injury, but fans saw just how special he can be. Luka was still arguing calls, but he was committed to getting back on defense. Los Angeles wants to build off that and help Doncic take his focus off the referees.
This is a massive summer for the Lakers. They must put more talent around number 77. Luka was out, but LA’s lack of depth was on full display as the Thunder swept them in the second round of the playoffs. Doncic will have plenty of say in the roster decisions. Fans know the right upgrades could quickly vault the purple and gold into serious title contention.
The Slovenian National Team will miss Luka Doncic this summer, but fans know he will return for the marquee competitions. He will look to play at the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics if his country qualifies. Number 77 loves his national team, but has to be with his family this summer.
Doncic has stated he would always play for Slovenia if he's not injured. Fatherhood changed that.
The Los Angeles Lakers hope it solves his biggest flaw, too. If Doncic stops arguing with the referees and stays fully locked in on the game, he is unstoppable. Fans have seen it. Now, it is on Luka to make it an every-night occurrence. His recent maturation may just be what sparks this needed change. Everyone in Laker Nation hopes so, but only time will tell the tale.
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