Former Lakers Center Sends Clear Message About Luka Doncic After Game 1

The Los Angeles Lakers ran out of their own building in Game 1 on Saturday night. It was a disappointing and rather embarrassing effort by the Lakers, who looked unprepared for playoff basketball.

The Lakers entered the game as favorites, and the first quarter looked promising. Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic did his part, and then some in the first and throughout the game, but it was not enough. He lacked the necessary help to come away with the victory.

While that was the case, former Lakers star center DeMarcus Cousins pointed the blame on Doncic for the loss. In his appearance on Fanduel's Run It Back, Cousins had some harsh words for Doncic.

"As far as Luka goes, was Nico wrong?"

"As far as Luka goes, was Nico wrong?"

Boogie Cousins has a some questions for the Lakers after Game 1 vs. the T-Wolves 😬@boogiecousins | @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/qanrq5jyWF
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 21, 2025

Doncic's play was the least of the Lakers' worries in their loss on Saturday. L.A. was outclassed in every way, and the concerns that many had entering the series on the Lakers' side came to light in Game 1.

The Timberwolves looked like the faster, stronger, more athletic team, and the Lakers had no answers. While Minnesota's successes were somewhat fluky, some of them were sustainable. The Lakers need to come out firing in Game 2 and make the necessary adjustments if they want to go to Minnesota for Game 3 with the series tied.

There are some question marks for L.A., but none of them have to do with the 26-year-old superstar. In Game 1, he was spectacular as he recorded a game-high 37 points on an efficient 12-of-22 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, and two steals, but only one assist in the 40 minutes he logged.

Doncic's lack of assists came from the little help he received, on top of the closeouts that Minnesota was on point with from the start of the game on the L.A. shooters.

The Lakers' performance was disappointing overall. Game 2 will tell us a lot about the team and the coaching staff, including JJ Redick.

Game 2 is certainly a must-win for L.A., and not only will a stellar performance by Doncic help but help from his co-stars will do wonders for their chances of winning the game.

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