Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is questionable with eye soreness for a Thursday matchup against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. The designation arrives as the league’s leading scorer faces intense national scrutiny regarding his on-court demeanor and transition defense.
If Doncic misses time, head coach JJ Redick will rely more heavily on LeBron James and Austin Reaves to manage the offense. The guard, who averages a league-high 32.5 points alongside 8.6 assists, recently logged 38 minutes and scored 22 points in Tuesday’s 110-109 loss to Orlando.
Growing Frustration in Los Angeles
Despite boasting a 34-23 record, the Lakers are navigating a wave of external pressure directed at their primary ball handler. Following the narrow defeat to the Magic, former players and analysts publicly questioned Doncic’s leadership, specifically highlighting his frequent interactions with referees and his apparent lack of urgency on defense.
Former NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell vocalized these concerns during a recent broadcast, suggesting that Doncic’s playing style actively alienates the rest of the roster.
“Who really wants to play with Luka?” Mitchell said. “Let me ask you this: if you’re a young player who wants to run, cut, move, and compete on both ends of the floor, how are you going to feel when your best player, your star player, the guy who has all the juice, doesn’t play defense? And nothing is said to him.”
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025 in a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis. While his offensive production remains elite, critics maintain that his emotional outbursts and defensive lapses are actively hindering the team’s long-term aspirations.
