Eddie A. Johnson Checks LeBron James for Apparent Jab at Luka Doncic for Lakers’ ‘Pick 6’s’ & Turnovers

LeBron James and the LA Lakers lost 128-106 to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. James struggled, making 6 of 17 shots, for 17 points and dished four assists but committed five turnovers. The Lakers, who stayed close for three quarters, lost the final 12 minutes 32-18.

After the game, James told reporters that a key reason for their loss were turnovers that the Pistons converted to fastbreak points. The four-time MVP’s comments seemed like a shot at teammate Luka Doncic who had a game-high eight errors.

Former NBA player Eddie Johnson reacted to LeBron James’ comments on Thursday on X:

“Basically saying, I was arguably the greatest ever at controlling tempo and making the best reads along with Magic , Bird, Isiah, Scottie. Give me ball back and no Pick 6’s.”

This season, Lakers coach JJ Redick has given the keys of the offense to Luka Doncic, forcing James to play off the ball. The 41-year old’s 26.7% usage is easily the worst in his career. He stressed in the locker room after the loss that he has been out of the primary ball handler role this season. The limited usage has also dropped his turnover average to 2.6 per outing, the least in his career.

LeBron James, though, was also guilty of errors against the Pistons. He had five turnovers, tied for second-most in the game.

The Lakers coughed up the ball 21 times which led to 30 points for the Pistons. They had five in the fourth quarter when the visiting team routed them.

LeBron James insists Lakers’ struggles aren’t just about him and Luka Doncic

LeBron James’ off-the-ball role and Luka Doncic’s 4.5 turnovers per game, the worst in the NBA, have become glaring. The 23-year-veteran, however, refuses to focus the limelight on himself and his MVP contender teammate.

James responded on Tuesday when asked about his dynamic with Doncic:

“I don’t wanna create the narrative of me and Luka (Doncic). There’s five guys on the floor and about seven guys that comes off the bench. It needs to be all of us.”

James was right. They don’t have just a problem on offense, particularly with who has the keys to the offense. The Lakers badly need to improve on defense. James and Co. have a 117.8 defensive rating, No. 25 in the NBA and the worst among teams looking to make a noise in the playoffs.

While there is debate about who handles primary ballhandling duties, both LeBron James and Luka Doncic have to improve on defense. The Lakers are struggling not just because of an error-prone offense but also due to their poor defense and effort.