Former NBA player Al Harrington had some negative words for Luka Doncic and his impact on the Los Angeles Lakers. Harrington believes that Doncic needs to learn better habits from a player better than him. LeBron James would have been the perfect name for such a scenario, but Harrington claims that Luka refused to follow the legendary veteran’s leadership.
The following comment from Harrington came during an interview with the To the Baha podcast:
“I think with him it’s just like ‘can he get with somebody that can develop his whole game?’ So, like, would you think that going to play with LeBron James, right? And seeing LeBron’s habits and all that kind of s–t would overall like make him better, right?
I personally think that probably did not happen because one, I think he’s arrogant. I also think that LeBron is at the point in his career that he probably doesn’t even have the same patience.”
Harrington used the term “arrogant” to describe how he views Doncic and why he didn’t learn more from teaming with James. Another bold point raised by Harrington is that LeBron lost patience with Luka and joined the Philadelphia 76ers to get away from the unique Lakers’ situation.
Did Luka Doncic Cause LeBron James To Leave?
Despite Harrington having friends in the NBA and various other connections, no other sources have said anything remotely close to this. The big three from last season of LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves appeared to get along off the court and enjoyed playing together.
James’ absence had more to do with teams like Philadelphia, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat all being closer to NBA Championship contention in the Eastern Conference. Doncic and LeBron praised each other for being a rare time they teamed with a player on their elite talent level.
The Lakers organization likely upset James more than anyone on the team did. General Manager Rob Pelinka reportedly viewed LeBron as secondary to Reaves and other pieces who fit better around Luka. Blaming Doncic or saying he didn’t try his best last season are flat out lies for something he had nothing to do with.
Luka Doncic Still Getting Blamed For Past
Harrington focusing on Doncic’s habits implies that he views Luka’s physical condition and on-court discipline issues as problems. Dallas traded Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis due to not having confidence in his conditioning.
However, last season saw Luka in the best shape of his career and playing MVP level basketball for the Lakers to finish with a top four seed. Injuries did hurt Doncic at the end of the season, but it didn’t come from him refusing to work out or doing anything scandalous.
Harrington and others will call out Luka until he proves them wrong by winning an NBA Championship and/or an MVP Award. The lackluster Lakers roster of Reaves, Walker Kessler, and role players will need Doncic to lead the way this season. Harrington doesn’t believe in Luka due to his perceived arrogance and failing to learn more from LeBron.
Former Player Says Luka Doncic Refused To Learn From LeBron