Luka Doncic is self-aware about the fact that he’s been complaining to refs a lot this season and says he’s not been himself in that regard.
With the NBA being as fast paced as it is, there’s bound to be a couple calls that the referees miss or miscalculate during the 48 minutes of play. Players of the caliber of Luka Doncic and LeBron James have been subjected to several questionable calls over the years with the latter having built up a reputation for complaining for any call he deems to be incorrect.
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It seems as though the ‘mini-LeBron’ comparisons have gotten to Luka Doncic’s head a bit too much as he’s now also delved into becoming one of the most notorious players in the league, known for complaining when a foul is called on him. He’s even mastered LeBron’s iconic shrug which he pulls out upon disagreement with a ref.
Luka Doncic has been very vocal about his distaste for any fouls that have been called on him this season along with complaining when being fouled and not have that be ruled a foul on the opposing player.
Luka Doncic acknowledges the fact that he’s been complaining a lot more this season to the refs.
Luka Doncic has been made aware of his in-game antics all season long and has stated that he knows he complains a lot throughout the season. The supposed ‘nail in the coffin’ would have to be the fact that he picked up his 15th technical foul of the season 4 days ago. One more would result in a one game suspension.
“It’s difficult with all the emotions in games, but obviously I’ve got to stop. It’s just hard for me on the court with all the emotions, but I realize it and I’ve got to work on this.”
Luka Doncic on complaining to refs: “[It’s difficult] with all the emotions in games, but obviously I’ve got to stop. It’s just hard for me on the court with all the emotions, but I realize it and I’ve got to work on this.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 7, 2021
In all fairness, the refs have been under a boatload of scrutiny this season as they have been a bevy of questionable calls all year long. However, the referees still have a reputation to uphold all while making sure the flow of the game isn’t disrupted. Players of Luka Doncic’s caliber need to understand this and not be as expressive when arguing foul calls.
It has actually been reported from Mike Bacsik that Luka Doncic has a bad reputation with refs this season and that they hate when he complains. Expecting being handed out a bogus call is something Doncic would need to stop however as the Mavericks need as much firepower as they can muster in this home stretch of games