Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is having an MVP-caliber season, without a doubt, but much of this resurgent season has pundits questioning (and even bashing) his polarizing style of play.
Doncic leads the league in free throw attempts per game (12.0) and is second in total attempts (348 in 29 games) behind Deni Avdija (386 in 39 games). What the 26-year-old superstar lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in baiting defenders into fouling him, but, at times, it detracts from productive offense.
Following the Lakers’ 105-101 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, where Doncic finished with 24 points on 8-of-25 shooting, seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry ripped the franchise star for his blatant foul baiting on the Spectrum Sportsnet postgame show.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo shares incredibly high praise for LeBron James
What Horry said
“One of the things that upsets me about Luka is, his game is predicated on getting fouls called,” Horry said. “And if the refs don’t give him the call, he starts hunting them more to try to prove the refs wrong.
“You’re too good of a basketball player to hunt for fouls. Just take the shot. Nine times out of ten, you’re going to make the shot.”
Doncic is leading the league in scoring, averaging 33.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. The counting stats are undeniable, but what is equally as indisputable is the process in which he is reaching those totals.
More NBA news:
- NBA world shows love to Joel Embiid after 76ers-Magic matchup
- NBA analyst suggests Celtics reunite with fan-favorite center at upcoming trade deadline
- Detroit Pistons facing key absence vs Clippers
- How long is Anthony Davis out? Hand injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Mavericks star