Calls Mount Against TNT’s Candace Parker As Lakers Nation Cringe Over Her Luka Doncic Obsession
NBA
Calls Mount Against TNT’s Candace Parker As Lakers Nation Cringe Over Her Luka Doncic Obsession
Think Tank
Modified Mar 7, 2025 | 1:14 PM IT
via Imago
Fortunes have certainly changed for Luka Doncic within just a few weeks. While he may not have wanted the trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, even the Slovenian cannot deny that the move has been good for him. He is now part of an NBA franchise that has marked its place in the history books for a while.
Watch What’S Trending Now!
Luka has been a key factor in reviving the Lakers’ playoff hopes. Teaming up with LeBron James and company, he’s helped the squad win 8 of their last 10 games, putting them right back in the mix. And with that success has come a wave of attention that wasn’t quite there before.
But no, we’re not talking about Kim Kardashian. This time, WNBA legend Candace Parker has taken notice. However, not everyone might be thrilled about this newfound spotlight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Candace Parker is currently serving as one of the co-hosts of TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’. However, for the ongoing game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks, she was called in to commentate during a major portion of the first half.
Is Candace Parker’s nickname ‘Luka the Don’ for Luka Doncic a hit or a miss?
It’s a hit, catchy and fitting
It’s a miss, makes me cringe
It’s okay, but needs a better backstory
Not sure, need to hear it more
When did you watch your first NBA game?
Yes, it’s unfair to Curry
No, it’s just part of the game
Officials need more training
Not sure
Take The Survey
It’s game night, and your team is playing. What’s your home setup?
Bruce Brown for the foul
Luka Doncic for escalating
Jarred Vanderbilt for retaliating
JJ Redick for not controlling the team
Do you believe LeBron James orchestrated the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade to benefit the Lakers?
Absolutely, he’s a mastermind
No, it’s just a coincidence
Possibly, but not sure
LeBron has no influence
Do you believe the Cleveland Cavaliers have what it takes to win the NBA Championship this year?
Absolutely, they’re on fire
No, they’re not ready yet
Maybe, if they keep this momentum
It’s too early to tell
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
After all, the 3x WNBA Champion shares a rich history with LA, having played for the Los Angeles Sparks for 13 years and winning a championship with the team back in 2016. Unfortunately, judging from social media, not everyone was a fan of the duration and manner in which she called out the games. On top of that, Parker’s major focus was on Luka Doncic. It didn’t help that the WNBA star came up with a nickname for the Slovenian: ‘Luka the Don’. It certainly DID NOT help when she kept repeating ‘Luka the Don’ again and again.
In light of moments like these, one can predict that the NBA community would not waste time in reacting online. Sure enough, they did not.
One social media user highlighted what many might have been thinking by writing, “Hearing Candace Parker say “Luka The Don” makes me cringe every time I hear it. (emojis) #NbaonTNT”. Yikes!
To be fair, ‘Luka The Don’ has the potential to become a catchy nickname, like Kevin Durant’s ‘Slim Reaper’. However, there should be a justification behind the nickname. A proper reasoning. What makes Luka Doncic a ‘Don’? After all, simply being Slovenian does not mean you’re an Italian mobster like Vito Corleone or Tony Soprano (Ik they are fictional, but still).
Does ‘Luka the Don’ fit Doncic, or is it just another cringeworthy nickname attempt?
Debate
1
2
3
4
5
Expand Tweet
One individual wrote “Does Candace Parker ever shut the f**k up?? “Luka the Don” ok we got it, that s**t is not sticking. Nobody is calling him that… now get on with it”. The combination of ‘Luka The Don’ and Parker’s long commentary may have ensured that the 38-year-old does not have a future in calling out games.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One social media user said, “jesus christ Candace Parker is not good at this play by play stuff”. Well, if history is any indication, then you can be a good basketball player but not necessarily a good game commentator. Sure, the trio of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith have found success in television broadcasting. However, they worked on their on-screen skills for years, and won over the NBA community with their charisma, poking fun at each other, and utilizing the occasional pranks. Perhaps, if Candace Parker is serious about a career in television broadcasting, she will also improve with time. Then, ‘Luka the Don’ will become a forgotten moment.
Well, maybe it will take a little more time for people to forget the commentary in the recent game. After all, one individual wrote, “Candace Parker has called Luka “The Don” maybe 25 times during the 1st quarter”. While no one is accusing Candace Parker of being a fan-girl, she is certainly giving off vibes that indicate the same. Or maybe she has realized how important Luka Doncic is to the Lakers and is emphasizing on that fact. After all, with Luka averaging 22.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists with the LA franchise, the pressure on LeBron James and the other scorers has been reduced.
via Imago
One social media user wrote, “Gotta be a counter on how many times Candace Parker has said “Luka The Don”. Over 20 for sureee”. Candace Parker would have surely come across these comments. If she has, then she might ensure never to mention the Slovenian in her commentary again. After all, if nothing else got stuck in people’s minds during the game, then ‘Luka the Don’ surely did.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Overall, the majority of reactions took a negative stance against Candace Parker’s commentary. Whether she addresses the criticism in the coming days is something that remains to be seen.
Share this with a friend:
ADVERTISEMENT
“Does ‘Luka The Don’ Fit Doncic, Or Is It Just Another Cringeworthy Nickname Attempt?”
ADVERTISEMENT
Written By
Ashmit Kumar
Edited By
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
EssentiallySports is a digital-first sports media house that surfaces the best stories on America’s favorite sports celebrities with a fan’s perspective to 30+ M average monthly readers.
EssentiallySports
About Us
Advertise With Us
Authors
Editorial Team
Behind The Scenes
Humans of EssentiallySports
Contact Us
Press
FAQs
Our Brands
ES Think Tank
Essentially Athletics
She Got Game
Essentially Golf
Lucky Dog on Track
FanCast
Sports
All
Boxing
Golf
NASCAR
NBA
NFL
Tennis
UFC
WNBA
College Football
Track And Field
Gymnastics
Olympics
MLB
Soccer
Swimming
Privacy Policy
ES Pressroom
Ethics Policy
Fact-Checking Policy
Corrections Policy
Cookies Policy
GDPR Compliance
Terms Of Use
Editorial Guidelines
Ownership And Funding Information
Full Spectrum Services LLP © 2025 | All Rights Reserved
NBA community attacks Candace Parker over ‘Luka the Don’: “makes me cringe”
Trending
Posts On Related Topics
What’S Your Take On
Related Stories
We Want to Know
You Better!
Participate in our 5 min
survey & Win $50 gift card
Not Luka Doncic Trade, but Mark Cuban Claims Nico Harrison’s Unsolved Issue Triggered Mass Boycott
After Fitness Struggle, Savannah James Puts Health Supplements on Display as Husband LeBron Invests $1.5 Million in Bodycare
Eyewitnesses Notice Caitlin Clark’s Act of Love as Tragedy Continues in Boyfriend Connor McCaffery’s Life
Clippers HC Ty Lue Admits Frustration With Locker Room After Ivica Zubac Publicly Calls Out Major Issue
Lakers Broadcasters Detail Security & JJ Redick’s Role In Luka Doncic’s Fight After Dalton Knecht’s Scary Incident
Donovan Mitchell Sends Strong Message to Locker Room After ESPN Leads Media’s Efforts To Fulfil Cavaliers’ Only Request
Dwight Howard Has Emotional Response to $3.2 Billion Franchise’s Surprise Announcement After Decade-Old Tensions
Nuggets Star Clarifies Position on Bold Nikola Jokic Trade After Issuing Clear Message to Luka Doncic’s Lakers
Kyrie Irving Sends Emotional Message to Mavs Fans as Dallas Loses Another Member After Media Disrespect
Nostalgic & Hilarious Wishes Pour In for Shaquille O’Neal as Kids Celebrate 53rd Birthday
Jeanie Buss’ True Motive Behind Anthony Davis Trade Clarified by Close Friend as Lakers Owner Makes Major Announcement
Knicks Community Attacks Lakers Fan for Disrespecting Karl-Anthony Towns’ Family After Luka Doncic Confirms Conspiracy
Klay Thompson’s Family Confirm His Mental State As Warning Bells Ring After Heartbreaking Kyrie Irving Confession
Not Luka Doncic Trade, But Mark Cuban Claims Nico Harrison’S Unsolved Issue Triggered Mass Boycott
TNT Broadcasters Accuse Jalen Brunson Of Unsportsmanlike Conduct As Luka Doncic’S Temper Flares Against NBA Refs
Fox Analyst’S LeBron James Take Couldn’T Get Weirder As Close Friend Reveals Emotional State Since Luka Doncic Trade
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Want to dive deeper?
EuroLeague 25: The legacy continues
The 25th season of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, 2024-25, is a cause for celebration. From the stars and big moments that came before to those writing new chapters in present day, the EuroLeague’s legacy continues to be written. Join us as we take it to the next level. #Only25
Share this
Article
Article
Article
We use Cookies
Game Center: Panathinaikos, Fenerbahce, Baskonia, Bayern celebrate wins
Carsen Edwards shined as Bayern hit top gear against Zvezda
Coach Jasikevicius celebrated his birthday by completing perfect week on the road
www.sportskeeda.com
Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.
