ESPN Star Calls Out Luka Doncic After Lakers Loss to Timberwolves

Former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins challenged Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic after they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Apr 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) reaches in on Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After a historic 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers created one of the most talented duos the league has ever seen by pairing LeBron James with Luka Doncic.

However, in their first playoff appearance together, the duo disappointed.

In Game 1 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers fell 117-95. In a losing effort, James dropped 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, while Doncic carried much of the offensive load. Doncic dropped a game-high 37 points with 8 rebounds, but had just 1 assist and 5 turnovers.

Feb 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a play during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

After the Lakers' loss, ESPN analyst and former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins called out Luka Doncic.

"Luka... I'm gonna say it to your face. It's time for you to stand on business," Perkins said. "I understand you had 37 points, I don't even care about that. What did you do to help your team win with other things that didn't show up in the stat sheet? ...You don't do it. You don't do the little things. Luka, when was the last time you actually hit the floor for a loose ball?"

“Luka … I’m gonna say it to your face. It’s time for you to stand on bidness." 😅 @KendrickPerkins discusses Luka Doncic's performance thus far in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bAx8Nu5Umh

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 22, 2025

Perkins continued to talk about how all of the stars he played with made championship-winning plays, while Doncic still does not do the necessary things to win those games.

"The little things is what wins you championships," Perkins said. "I played with 14 Hall of Famers, and all of them done it. It's time for you to step up to the plate, young man."

Of course, the Lakers need Doncic to be able to score the basketball, but they certainly will not win a championship if he is not willing to do the small things to help take them to the next level.