After Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 5 and were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, former NBA star Patrick Beverley went viral for calling out the Lakers’ star and his unexpected injury.
This season with the Lakers did not go as Dončić expected. Despite being paired with James, he fell short in the first round and now faces a long offseason. Moreover, Dončić now has to deal with the onslaught of criticism that the majority of the basketball community is throwing towards him.
Patrick Beverley Believes Luka Dončić Faked His Back Injury in Game 5
Several critics have accused Dončić of “whining” to the officials and flopping for foul calls all the time. One could argue that Dončić has failed to establish a reputation as a “tough” superstar capable of playing through injuries.
With just over a minute left in the second quarter of Game 5, Dončić drove to the rim and appeared to twist his back while trying to shoot a contested layup. He exited the game briefly and was seen wearing a medical backstrap.
Although Dončić returned and finished the night scoring 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, Beverley tried to establish a narrative that Dončić was simply faking his injury in order to justify being eliminated by Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
“When mo*******kers lose, they try to play the hurt game. You’re seeing it with the Lakers. Oh my back! Nah, it’s not your back. Easiest way to go out. That’s how you always know. Watch. All elimination games, someone’s gotta go be hurt.”
Pat Bev says Luka was FAKING his back injury
(via @PatBevPod) pic.twitter.com/hHUUMJGKH6
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 2, 2025
While it might be wrong to accuse Dončić of faking his back injury, there is no denying that there is some validity to Beverley’s point on stars frequently being injured in elimination games or towards the very end of a postseason series.
Although Dončić has always been in the MVP race throughout the majority of his career, his popularity is at an all-time low among the NBA world. With the Lakers squad, he could not get out of the first round despite being considered the “scariest team” by prominent NBA analysts.
As things stand, Dončić’s injury does not really matter since the Lakers’ season is already over. However, it should make him reconsider playing any international basketball this offseason. He might consider spending the same time focusing on his conditioning and improving his defensive skills.
After all, those are the most significant flaws that have been called out so far. In any case, fans are left wondering what Dončić and the Lakers will be able to accomplish next season.
