Luka Doncic shares concerning comments after playing 17 games in March with the Lakers

This NBA regular season has been a rollercoaster for many franchises, marked by struggles and notable achievements. As the season nears its conclusion, teams are focused on securing a playoff spot. Among the teams in contention, the Los Angeles Lakers are considered one of the favorites to make the postseason. However, Luka Doncic raised a concern following their win over the Houston Rockets.

Mixed emotions surround the Lakers as they head into the final stretch. After facing mid-season struggles, the team found the perfect complement in Doncic, who helped bolster LeBron James and other key players. Together, they worked to overcome a season marred by injuries and fatigue. Doncic’s mentality and style of play provided a much-needed spark for a franchise that had difficulty maintaining momentum.

One of the biggest challenges athletes face across all sports today is the sheer volume of games they play each season. In the NBA, several players have publicly acknowledged the physical toll the demanding schedule takes, with many feeling the effects as the season wears on.

Doncic, known for his sense of humor, addressed this issue in a lighthearted manner, hinting that NBA executives need to pay closer attention to the grueling schedule. “We haven’t even had dinner yet because we’ve had so many games,” Dončić joked with the media on Monday.

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Boston Celtics on March 08, 2025.

Doncic unveiled overload in players

Doncic addressed a common challenge that many players have faced during the regular season, albeit with a bit of humor. His comments shed light on the strain athletes experience due to the overwhelming demands of the schedule, a problem that’s been echoed by other players throughout the year.

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Upon closer examination, it’s clear that various complications arise from the heavy workload players endure. For instance, the recovery time needed after an injury is often a significant factor. The nature of the injury and the pain involved can influence a player’s ability to return to the court. A prime example is Joel Embiid, who pushed himself to come back after a knee injury. However, the recovery period simply wasn’t long enough, and the Philadelphia 76ers felt his absence throughout the season.

Doncic himself dealt with an injury before his trade to the Lakers. Even during his introductory press conference, he was still managing the injury. The demanding schedule, with back-to-back games and little time for recovery, makes it difficult for players to get the proper rest they need to recover fully, especially with the expectation of playing all 82 regular-season games.

Will these challenges affect teams in the Playoffs?

As the playoffs approach, teams face a critical dilemma: how to ensure their stars are rested before the high-stakes postseason begins. Teams like the Golden State Warriors have experienced this challenge firsthand, with star Stephen Curry struggling to maintain his energy with over 10 games remaining in the regular season.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr decided to give Curry a rest, and as a result, the team’s performance dipped, snapping a winning streak they’d maintained with Curry on the court. This decision highlights the need for rest, but it also raises questions about the timing of breaks. The All-Star Weekend isn’t enough, as top players are expected to participate, leaving little opportunity for genuine recovery.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, there may be an argument for a reduced number of regular-season games. The quality of play should not be compromised, and the overall experience for fans should remain high, without the exhaustion that can sometimes mar the postseason.