Luka Doncic Should Worry Los Angeles Lakers Fans...

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Luka Doncic Should Worry Los Angeles Lakers Fans...

Originally posted on TWSN | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Nov 2, 2026 10:26 PM ET

Luka Doncic Should Worry Los Angeles Lakers Fans…

At this early stage in the 2026-2027 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have looked like contenders. It’s safe to say that Luka Doncic has done most of the heavy lifting. His numbers have been amazing so far, averaging 37-8-7 per game. It’s not far-fetched to say that he can probably average more than 35 points per game for the rest of the season.

However, whenever he sits down, the Los Angeles Lakers have been awful. While Austin Reaves is capable when Doncic sits, the rest of the team looks lost on both offense and defense.

That’s a huge problem for JJ Redick and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff. One bad example was their recent game against the Toronto Raptors. Doncic was subbed out with a couple of minutes left in the game, with LA having a 15-point advantage.

Then, disaster struck. The Raptors went on a run and got as close as six points. Redick had no choice but to put most of his starters in, including Doncic.

Bronny James checked into the game up 15

The Lakers blew their lead in one minute

They had to bring the starters back in pic.twitter.com/sQXuFMrfuA
— House of Lowlights (@HouseLowlights) November 2, 2026

Lakers Should Find A Way To Give Luka Doncic Some Breathing Room

Redick’s overreliance on Luka Doncic at this early part of their campaign is a worrying sign of how this season might go for the Lakers. While Luka’s minutes per game aren’t too drastic, LA’s offense cannot function well without him on the court.

While some might say that he’s built for this, there’s a case to be made that he’ll wear himself out. Since entering the league in 2018, the Slovenian-born superstar has yet to play more than 72 games in a season.

What’s more concerning is that in the last two seasons, he only managed to suit up for 50 and 64 games. The crucial point usually happens after the All-Star break. That’s when the injuries start to bother him, especially in the last couple of years.

It’s quite amazing to see him play this way, though. But his continued brilliance can be a problem because it shows the team lacks depth. It was not just the game against the Raptors. Against Golden State, Luka Doncic’s brilliance was the driving force at the start, but the team faltered badly after he sat.

Sure, fans can be in awe watching Doncic drop insane numbers, but he has to do it because his team sorely needs it on a nightly basis. That should worry Lakers fans because it means that this team is still far away from competing for another championship.

This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.

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