Luka Doncic Faces Criticism from Lakers Legends Amid Foul-Hunting Concerns

Luka Doncic, the new franchise star for the Los Angeles Lakers, has made an undeniable impact on the team since his arrival. Averaging 33.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game this season while leading the league with 12 free-throw attempts per game, Doncic has quickly become the Lakers’ offensive cornerstone. However, his style of play—particularly his tendency to seek fouls—has drawn scrutiny from some of the franchise’s most celebrated figures.

Lakers Legends Weigh In

Three-time NBA champion Robert Horry recently criticized Doncic on Spectrum SportsNet, claiming that the young star relies too heavily on drawing fouls.

“His game is predicated on getting fouls called, and the refs don’t give him a call, he starts hunting even more to try to prove the refs wrong,” Horry said. “You’re too good of a basketball player to hunt for fouls.”

Horry’s comments highlight a broader concern about players who focus on free-throw opportunities at the expense of consistent offensive execution. For context, Doncic is averaging 2.1 more free-throw attempts than Deni Avdija and 2.8 more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had previously been labeled the NBA’s “free-throw merchant.”

Similarly, five-time Lakers champion James Worthy voiced his concerns in December. According to LakersDaily.com, Worthy said:

“I think he’s searching for calls. He’s not getting ’em. Just come out, play a little more aggressive. Don’t look for the fouls. Play the game.”

Worthy further noted that, despite impressive statistics, Doncic’s performances sometimes felt “not impactful” in terms of influencing the flow of games, a critique he described as “empty calorie stats.”

Doncic’s Offensive Dominance

Despite these criticisms, Doncic’s offensive contributions are clear. He is not only the primary scoring option for a Lakers roster missing key players like Austin Reaves due to injury, but he has also shouldered the team’s responsibilities when LeBron James has been sidelined or limited.

His ability to generate points, rebounds, and assists simultaneously has been critical, especially in a Lakers team struggling to maintain consistency on defense. While fans and analysts debate his free-throw strategy, Doncic’s production keeps Los Angeles competitive in the Western Conference.

Recent Challenges: Fouls and Close Games

Doncic’s aggressive playstyle was on display during the Lakers’ recent narrow loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he fouled out late in the game. Even as LeBron James faced defensive stops from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doncic continued to drive aggressively to the basket, seeking opportunities at the free-throw line.

The combination of Doncic’s offensive responsibility and limited roster depth underscores why he continues to pursue fouls, despite criticism from former Lakers stars and analysts. For now, this aggressive approach may be the team’s best chance to stay competitive.

Luka Doncic and Dennis Schröder Incident

Beyond foul-hunting concerns, Doncic recently found himself involved in an off-court incident that led to Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schröder receiving a three-game suspension. The altercation occurred after the Lakers defeated the Kings on December 28 at Crypto.com Arena.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Schröder confronted Doncic approximately 40 minutes after the final buzzer, attempting to strike him. The NBA determined that Schröder’s actions warranted a suspension for his behavior during and after the game.

During the confrontation, Lakers center Deandre Ayton intervened, attempting to protect Doncic from any further escalation. Schröder will now miss three games—including the Lakers’ rematch against Sacramento, and contests against the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks.

This incident highlights the physical and emotional intensity that Doncic brings to his games, as well as the challenges he faces in adjusting to the pressure and scrutiny of leading a storied franchise like the Lakers.

Balancing Criticism and Leadership

Despite critiques from Horry, Worthy, and others, Doncic remains a key figure for the Lakers. His ability to perform at a high level across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, while managing the team’s on-court responsibilities in the absence of injured stars, speaks to his resilience and talent.

Criticism about foul-hunting and free-throw reliance is likely to continue, especially as analysts and fans weigh his statistical dominance against overall game impact. Yet, in the short term, Doncic’s assertive approach is helping the Lakers remain competitive while navigating roster challenges and injuries.

Looking Ahead

As the Lakers continue the 2025-26 season, Doncic’s leadership and offensive prowess will be crucial. Fans and analysts will continue to debate his approach to drawing fouls and his overall influence on the court, but his high-level production and ability to carry a team under pressure cannot be denied.

For Lakers management and head coach JJ Redick, balancing Doncic’s aggressiveness with strategic guidance will be key to maximizing team performance. Meanwhile, the rest of the league is taking notice of a star who not only produces historic numbers but also commands respect and attention both on and off the court.

In short, Luka Doncic may still be in the early chapters of his Lakers career, but his impact—on the scoreboard, in high-stakes games, and in controversial moments like the Schröder incident—is already reshaping expectations for Los Angeles’ franchise future.