The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves under intense media scrutiny following their Game 1 loss in the 2025 NBA Playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 117-95 defeat sparked criticism from fans and analysts alike, but perhaps no one was more vocal than retired NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, who directed pointed commentary at Lakers star Luka Doncic.
Despite Doncic putting up an impressive stat line—37 points on 12-of-22 shooting—his performance did little to quiet concerns about his leadership and intangibles. Perkins, during a segment on ESPN titled “Standing on Bidness,” took Doncic to task, stating that scoring alone is not enough, especially when it doesn’t translate to team success.
“Today is one of those days,” Perkins began. “And look, this is not a ‘pick-on’ segment. This is just bringing it to the front. Luka, a lot of people might whisper behind your back but damn it, I’m going to say it to your face! It’s time for you to stand on business.”
Perkins didn’t hold back, emphasizing that the numbers in the box score don’t always tell the full story. “I understand you had 37 points; I don’t even care about that,” he said. “What did you do to help your team win with other things that don’t show up in the stat sheet? Let’s pull up the film!”
His criticism revolved around what many consider to be the less glamorous aspects of basketball—the hustle plays that can often tilt the outcome of tightly contested games. Perkins specifically called out Doncic for failing to make effort plays, such as diving for loose balls or jumping into the crowd to save a possession. These actions, while not highlighted in traditional stats, are often seen as signs of a leader’s will to win and commitment to doing whatever it takes to succeed.
To further drive his point home, Perkins praised several Timberwolves players who embodied that grit and energy in Game 1. He cited Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Julius Randle as examples of players who made game-changing plays through hustle, determination, and a relentless drive.
The Lakers split their regular season series against the Timberwolves 2-2, so the outcome of this playoff matchup is still far from decided. However, the Game 1 performance raised legitimate questions about the Lakers’ cohesion, urgency, and whether Doncic can truly elevate the team when it matters most.
The criticism from Perkins touches on a broader narrative that has followed Luka Doncic for much of his NBA career. While undeniably one of the league’s most talented players, he has often been scrutinized for his conditioning, defensive effort, and ability to lead in high-pressure situations. As he continues his first playoff run with the Lakers, the spotlight will only grow more intense.
Los Angeles now faces a crucial Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday, where they’ll have an opportunity to bounce back and even the series. Whether Doncic can rise to the challenge—not just through scoring, but by leading through example in the little things—may determine how far this Lakers team can go.