The NBA’s All-Star starters have been announced. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is one of them, but not thanks to the players who had votes. Doncic ranked first amongst the fans in voting and second among the media. However, NBA players voted him No. 6 behind Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Kevin Durant.
It’s clear as day: Players around the NBA don’t think Doncic is as good as the fans or media do. The question is, why? Well, there are a bunch of different potential reasons, and almost all of them can be extracted from who the players voted ahead of him (two of whom aren’t even starters this year).
And when you think about some of the Lakers’ struggles this season, it makes a little bit of sense.
Luka Doncic ranked 6th in player voting for All-Star Game
Obviously, the players voted Jokic as the best player in the West. He’s a three-time MVP and one of the most impactful players in recent history. The impact he has on winning is undeniable, and the players respect that.
Then, there’s Curry—the greatest shooter to ever grace the hardwood. There aren’t enough words to describe how much fellow NBA players respect Curry as a player and a person. That almost definitely played a big part in the voting.
Gilgeous-Alexander being third is just as obvious. The reigning MVP is leading the Thunder to an unbelievable season, and the start to the year that they had was ridiculous.
After that, things get a little bit interesting. Neither Edwards nor Durant got the nod to start the All-Star Game. That recognition went to Doncic and Wembanyama (whose seventh-place finish among players was even lower than Doncic’s).
Like Curry, Durant has the long-time respect factor. He’s been in the league forever, and it feels like all of the players have a deep understanding of what he’s able to do on the basketball court.
As for Edwards, he’s pretty popular among players, but he also plays with an edge to him—on both ends of the court.
A lot of the Lakers’ struggles this year, particularly on defense, have been because of Doncic’s problems staying in front of guys. He’s not a good defender, and it’s become painfully obvious to see.
Players don’t miss much. They understand the game better than anyone. So, when they’re voting on guys to make the All-Star Game, they take everything into account.
And based on the way they voted this year, they certainly have some thoughts about how Doncic stands up against the best players in the NBA.