LeBron James Sends Clear Message on Luka Doncic's Ball Dominance in Loss to Suns

LeBron James addressed Luka Doncic's usage rate after the LA Lakers lost 125-108 to the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Doncic recorded a 48.7% usage rate according to the NBA's tracking data. He also took 47.1% of the team's shots, while committing nine of the team's 21 turnovers.

On the other hand, James recorded a 20.0% usage rate. It's uncharted territory for the 23-year veteran as he's used to having the ball in his hands, especially when things go south. That wasn't the case on Monday, and James answered questions about his lack of impact and Doncic's heavy usage. The 40-year-old didn't complain and instead downplayed any concerns, saying:

"You go with what's been working (2:17 onwards). We have opportunities to change pitchers and switch pitchers. But we go with what's working, obviously. We didn't play our brand of basketball the way we wanted to play. So, it's just one game. We won't get too crazy about it."

LeBron James used a baseball analogy (pitchers and switch pitchers) to describe the Lakers' luxury of offensive weapons like himself, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who can all handle the ball when needed.

Doncic has the highest usage rate this season with 36.7% and the Lakers are 12-4 when he's been in the lineup. James rightly pointed out that his co-star controlling the offense has worked, so it doesn't make sense to switch things over after one loss.

However, the Lakers must be more adaptable. They have the talent to overcome defensive schemes used specifically to limit Luka Doncic. While the Slovenian scored 38, he was limited to five assists against nine turnovers. LA's offense also became more predictable once the Suns knew where the ball was going.

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Luka Doncic takes accountability for the Lakers' latest setback as LeBron James shows faith in co-star

Luka Doncic didn't hesitate to hold himself accountable after the Lakers' latest loss. The superstar's hot scoring streak continued, but nine turnovers put pressure on LA's defense. Doncic pointed it out during his post-game interview, saying (via Spectrum SportsNet):

"That was my fault. No way I can have nine turnovers in a game."

Doncic committed four of those turnovers in the second quarter, which swung the momentum in the Suns' favor. He claimed the Suns were giving him the shots, but instead of looking to score, he tried passing, which led to miscues.

Spectrum SportsNet

@SpectrumSN

"There's no way I should have 9 turnovers." Luka Doncic (38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists) speaks with the media following the #Lakers loss to the Phoenix Suns. Get closer to the action with Spectrum SportsNet+. 🔗: https://t.co/k8Sa1tLkWs

Luka Doncic admitted the Suns' scheme confused him as they shut down his playmaking opportunities.

The Lakers couldn't match the Suns' intensity on either end, and that was another reason they couldn't extend their winning streak. Nevertheless, LA was also playing its third game in four nights, and the second of a back-to-back. Fatigue may have caught up with the players.