Luka Doncic Seemingly Refuses to Address LeBron James Off-Ball Question After 8 TO Game

Luka Doncic and LeBron James struggled in the LA Lakers’ 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Doncic ended the night with 30 points, 11 assists and five rebounds but committed eight turnovers. James contributed 17 points on 6-for-17 shooting with four assists and five turnovers.

When asked how he could help balance James’ role as off-the-ball scorer and lead playmaker to limit turnovers, Doncic seemingly refused to answer the question. Instead, the Slovenian responded:

“Too many turnovers. We gotta stop losing the ball.”

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The Lakers’ offense is anchored on three ball-dominant guards. With LeBron James’ absence to start the season, Luka Doncic became the primary scorer and lead playmaker. Austin Reaves shared the same role as Doncic to a lesser degree before James' return complicated the Lakers' offense.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said on Saturday that they started struggling with James back due to a lack of "role clarity." Redick added that he and the team addressed the issue during their "uncomfortable" practice that day.

Off-shooting nights by the superstar guards usually lead to trouble for the Lakers due to lack of movement. LA’s situation is worsened by its error-prone ways. The Lakers average 15.5 turnovers per game, No. 22 in the NBA. Against the Pistons, they committed 21, which led to 30 points for the Pistons.

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Luka Doncic and LeBron James committed costly fourth-quarter turnovers

The Lakers trailed 99-90 when Luka Doncic entered the game with 10:10 left in the fourth quarter. In the first play with him on the floor, the Lakers committed a 24-second shot clock violation.

Before Marcus Sasser pushed the Pistons’ lead to 102-90 with a 3-pointer, Doncic and LeBron James missed back-to-back attempts. Sasser’s long-range shot forced the Lakers to a timeout.

The ceasefire proved worth it as Marcus Smart made a layup off a Doncic pass. However, LA’s momentum was again short-circuited by another turnover, this time by James.

The Pistons responded with a Jalen Duren basket before Luka Doncic committed another error. Sasser made the Lakers pay again by dropping another 3-pointer.

Doncic and LeBron James failed to score and four turnovers during a six-minute stretch. By the time the Slovenian left with 4:09 remaining, the Pistons’ lead had ballooned to 122-96.

Edited by Michael Macasero