Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

“I Don’t Know If That Style Wins Again” – NBA Legend Unconvinced Luka Doncic Can Deliver Lakers A Championship

Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic is set to begin his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to deliver an NBA championship. But Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen isn’t convinced his style of play will translate into a title.

In an interview with Jorge Quiroga of Marca, Pippen was blunt about his doubts. “I don’t know,” he said. “His style of play got him to the finals. But I’m not sure if that style will get him there again. It was a unique feat, but when they got to the finals, they didn’t have much.”

Scottie Pippen’s comments come as Luka Doncic prepares to lead a Lakers team built around him, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. For Doncic, balancing his heavy ball usage with teammates who also thrive in possession will be key.

Luka Doncic in 28 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season:

📊 28.2 points
📊 8.6 rebounds
📊 8.2 assists

With a full training camp in great shape, one can only imagine what's ahead in Year 2 ✨ pic.twitter.com/lI3WdzMN3Q
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) September 25, 2025

Looking Back at Luka Doncic’s Dallas Struggles

Pippen’s reference pointed to the 2024 NBA Finals, when Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a championship series against the Boston Celtics. Partnered with Kyrie Irving, Doncic carried much of the offensive load, but his supporting cast fell short.

In that series, Luka Doncic committed 23 turnovers across five games, and no teammate besides Kyrie Irving averaged more than 11 points. The Mavericks’ lack of balance proved costly against a deeper Boston team.

The Lakers appear to have more offensive talent than Doncic’s 2023-24 Mavericks squad, giving them hope of avoiding the same pitfalls. But questions remain about their defense, particularly on the perimeter, and whether it will be strong enough to support an NBA title push.

As Luka Doncic enters the season in peak condition, the Los Angeles Lakers will look to blend his high-usage style with a stronger overall roster. For critics like Pippen, though, the jury is still out on whether this approach can win a championship.