Sam Mitchell Criticizes Luka Dončić’s Off-Ball Play, Renews Debate Over Lakers’ Offense
Mitchell's on-air critique spotlights Los Angeles' low assist rate as a symptom of a ball-dominant approach.
Overview
- Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, the former Coach of the Year said Dončić "cannot play without the ball," citing a lack of cutting, screening and movement.
- Mitchell added that LeBron James and Austin Reaves share similar tendencies and contrasted them with Stephen Curry’s constant off-ball motion.
- Dončić leads the league in scoring at 33.7 points per game and tops qualified players in usage at roughly 36.7 percent.
- The Lakers rank second in field-goal percentage and seventh in offensive rating yet sit 27th in assists per game, underscoring concerns about ball and player movement.
- L.A. has dropped three straight and six of its last 10, including a 119-96 loss to the Rockets on Christmas, with reports noting public frustration from coach J.J. Redick.