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Luka Doncic has opened the 2026-27 NBA season with historic production, yet Bill Simmons remains dissatisfied with a specific element of the superstar's approach. The Los Angeles Lakers have won six of their first eight games, and the Slovenian guard has delivered spectacular numbers.
Across seven appearances, Doncic is averaging 38.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. He has achieved this while shooting 50 percent from the field, 43 percent from beyond the arc, and 89 percent from the free-throw line.
Despite those figures, Simmons argues that the Lakers star is worse than ever in one respect. Doncic has long faced criticism for how he interacts with referees, having accumulated technical fouls for excessive or disrespectful complaining. He has been called out repeatedly and has spoken about wanting to improve.
Simmons believes Doncic has not improved and is currently at his worst. On a recent podcast, he offered an unexpected comparison. "I think the guy is brilliant, I think he's one of the best offensive players I've ever seen in my life," Simmons said. "And it's not a new take to say that his behavior during games has been a little insufferable. I think this is the most insufferable he's ever been."
Simmons added: "I can't believe how he behaves for 2.5 hours at these games and I don't know one person who enjoys it. To me, it's like when you see those commercials of Gordon Ramsay. Like, these reality chefs who are just screaming at everybody in the kitchen and you're like, 'Man it would s to work for that guy.' That's Luka now in every game, he's just unhappy constantly with everybody. And if somebody talks s to him on the other team, now he's got to focus his rage on this. I'm just saying I don't want to put him on the Big TV because I don't enjoy the process of watching him get those stats."
Key Analysis
Simmons is not alone in raising this concern; many analysts have previously echoed similar sentiments about Doncic. However, voicing such criticism while the LA superstar's on-court performance is speaking volumes may seem unusual. Doncic's statistical dominance has been undeniable, yet the debate over his conduct continues to shadow his achievements.
Originally reported by yahoo.