Lakers Legend Slams Luka Doncic for 'Hunting' Fouls in Latest Loss
A former NBA champion has publicly criticized Dallas Mavericks-turned-Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic for his tendency to "hunt" fouls during games. Robert Horry, a seven-time champion and six-time NBA Finals MVP, expressed frustration with Doncic's approach on Friday after the Lakers suffered a 105-101 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Horry believes that Doncic's game relies too heavily on getting fouls called by referees, which leads him to become more aggressive in seeking contact. "You're too good of a basketball player to hunt for fouls," Horry said. "Just take the shot." This approach is one that many from earlier eras of the game have criticized, with players like Redick and others speaking out against officiating issues.
The Lakers' struggles with inconsistent refereeing have become a recurring theme this season. After Redick's recent public complaints about specific calls, it's clear that frustration among the team's leaders has reached a boiling point. In his latest Instagram story, LeBron James himself vented about a non-called foul on Friday night's game.
Horry's comments come at a time when Luka Doncic is still adjusting to life in LA and building a new identity with the Lakers. With the team shifting towards being centered around his playstyle, it remains to be seen how much of an impact Horry's criticism will have on Doncic's game.
One thing is clear: if Luka wants to continue to thrive as one of the top players in the league, he'll need to learn to balance his scoring prowess with a more instinctive approach to playing the game.
A former NBA champion has publicly criticized Dallas Mavericks-turned-Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic for his tendency to "hunt" fouls during games. Robert Horry, a seven-time champion and six-time NBA Finals MVP, expressed frustration with Doncic's approach on Friday after the Lakers suffered a 105-101 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Horry believes that Doncic's game relies too heavily on getting fouls called by referees, which leads him to become more aggressive in seeking contact. "You're too good of a basketball player to hunt for fouls," Horry said. "Just take the shot." This approach is one that many from earlier eras of the game have criticized, with players like Redick and others speaking out against officiating issues.
The Lakers' struggles with inconsistent refereeing have become a recurring theme this season. After Redick's recent public complaints about specific calls, it's clear that frustration among the team's leaders has reached a boiling point. In his latest Instagram story, LeBron James himself vented about a non-called foul on Friday night's game.
Horry's comments come at a time when Luka Doncic is still adjusting to life in LA and building a new identity with the Lakers. With the team shifting towards being centered around his playstyle, it remains to be seen how much of an impact Horry's criticism will have on Doncic's game.
One thing is clear: if Luka wants to continue to thrive as one of the top players in the league, he'll need to learn to balance his scoring prowess with a more instinctive approach to playing the game.
. Like Robert Horry says, Luka's too good a player to be hunting for fouls, but at the same time, if he can't get them called, it's gonna affect his game big time 
. And LeBron venting on Instagram is just so extra 
. Newsflash guys: officiating is subjective, deal with it 
. Luka needs to focus on being the best player he can be without relying on refs to give him a free pass 
. It's time for him to take responsibility and lead his team by example 
.
it's like he's trying to get on the referee's bad side already 
i feel bad for the dude but rory horry is right, take the shot & shoot! 
don't be a rookie 
. it's not like he's getting away with murder out there or anything, referees are just doing their job. and honestly who hasn't seen luka take 20+ ft jumpers in a game? he can definitely handle himself without relying on cheap fouls to get calls 
. maybe horry should focus on his own playing days instead of trying to coach from the sidelines 
. luka's gonna be fine, he'll figure it out and lead those lakers to another chip 
. BUT SERIOUSLY, IF LUKA WANTS TO BE GREAT, HE NEEDS TO LEARN TO TRUST HIS SHOOTS AND NOT RELY ON THE WHISTLE ALL THE TIME 
. Can't have him getting too aggressive and ruining his own game 
. Needs to develop instincts on court, not just rely on refs 
. I mean, come on, Bob Horry is like the ultimate expert on all things NBA and yet Luka's gotta go and "hunt" for those fouls? 
meanwhile lebron is over here venting on instagram & robert horry is just speaking truth 
dont get me wrong luka's a baller but if he wanna lead the lakers to another chip he needs to find a better way 2 play the game 
LeBron James is already venting about it on social media & I'm like "Yaaas King James 
". But seriously, if Luka wants 2 stay on top, he's gotta find a balance between scoring & playing smart basketball 
. Maybe this is the wake-up call Luka needs 
I'm so tired of players "hunting" for fouls and complaining about refs... it's not fair to the game 
.
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#NotImpressed. Can't have him relying too heavily on cheap fouls when we need him to take the shot 
#LakersNation