Pressure Increases on TNT’s Candace Parker as Lakers Fans React Unfavorably to Her Infatuation with Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic’s fortunes have shifted dramatically in just a matter of weeks. Although he may not have desired a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, even the Slovenian superstar can acknowledge that the transition has been beneficial for him. He is now part of an NBA franchise that has a storied legacy.

Luka has played a pivotal role in rekindling the Lakers’ playoff aspirations. Joining forces with LeBron James and the rest of the roster, he has contributed to the team’s success, leading them to victories in 8 of their last 10 games and reinserting them into the playoff conversation. With this resurgence comes a surge of attention that previously eluded him.

However, we’re not referring to Kim Kardashian this time. Instead, it’s WNBA icon Candace Parker who has taken notice. Despite this recognition, not everyone may be pleased with the spotlight that has fallen on Luka.

Candace Parker is currently co-hosting TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’. During the ongoing matchup between the Lakers and the New York Knicks, she was brought in to commentate a significant portion of the first half.

As a 3-time WNBA Champion with a deep relationship with LA—having spent 14 years with the Los Angeles Sparks and winning a championship in 2016—Parker’s insights were anticipated. Unfortunately, reactions on social media indicate that not everyone appreciated her commentary style or the length of her analysis. A notable point of focus for Parker was Luka Doncic, and her new nickname for him, ‘Luka the Don’, didn’t sit well with some fans. Her repeated use of ‘Luka the Don’ certainly didn’t help.

As expected, the NBA community was quick to react online to such moments. And they did not hold back.

NBA community critiques Candace Parker over ‘Luka the Don’: “makes me cringe”

One social media user summed up the sentiment by tweeting, “Hearing Candace Parker say ‘Luka The Don’ makes me cringe every time I hear it. (emojis) #NbaonTNT”. Ouch!

To be fair, ‘Luka The Don’ could become a memorable nickname, akin to Kevin Durant’s ‘Slim Reaper’. However, there ought to be a reasonable basis for the nickname. What qualifies Luka Doncic as a ‘Don’? Simply being Slovenian does not equate to being an Italian mobster, like Vito Corleone or Tony Soprano (we know they’re fictional, but you get the point).

This is an evolving story.