Luka Doncic has been given the reins to lead the LA Lakers this season following LeBron James‘ departure. Expectations are high for the guard to deliver another championship to the Purple and Gold, but James’ former teammate Channing Frye believes Doncic will never win one.
The former Cavaliers big man questioned Doncic’s chances of winning a title on Friday’s episode of his show Channing’s Mailbag, while citing his usage as a major concern.
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“I love Luka. I just don’t think the way he plays basketball is going to win a championship,” Frye said. “I think Luka is a lot like James Harden. Both of those guys are amazing but their usage rate is not equating to championships. Who plays like that?”
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Frye stood by his criticism, arguing that Doncic’s high usage rate could prevent him from winning a championship. He also suggested that the Lakers guard cannot focus solely on scoring, highlighting that other teams have multiple players who can produce at a similar level.
“The last person who did (win a championship with high usage) was Giannis, and that was in 2021, right?” Frye continued. “So, five or six years ago. And now look, it’s not sustainable. The usage rate is too much. What’s going to happen? Luka’s great. He’s not winning you a championship like that.
“Because guess what? The other best team has five guys who are going to average 15 to 20 points. Luka has to feed his whole team other than Austin Reaves. That’s a lot. That’s a lot of pressure on one person. Definitely not a hater. He’s great.”
Although Frye has made his prediction about Doncic, many expect the guard to have a breakout season with the Lakers. He remains an MVP favorite, and with the Lakers starting the season 4-1, expectations continue to grow.
Former NBA champion questions Luka Doncic and the Lakers despite strong start
Channing Frye remains unconvinced by Luka Doncic and the Lakers despite their strong start to the season. The former NBA champion said on his podcast that Doncic would not win a championship with his current style of play and also questioned the team’s title chances this season.
While showing love to the star and his team for their start, Frye remained skeptical of their chances.
“I am impressed by the Lakers. I think Luka is doing too much too early, right?” Frye remarked. “I don’t know if it’s sustainable. I’m not wishing for him to get hurt, but if we look at where the NBA is going.
“Players with a usage rate as high as Luka’s usually struggle later in the season. But I also think Luka is a different beast. Given how competitive he is, (But) I’m still not completely sold on the Lakers.”
Despite Frye’s skepticism, Doncic and Co. will hope to prove their doubters wrong as they continue to adjust to life after LeBron James.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
