Luka not feeling like himself: I used to have fun

Luka Doncic admitted he’s currently going through the motions and searching for joy while the Dallas Mavericks continue their recent skid.

“I think you can see it with me on the court,” Doncic said following the Mavericks’ disappointing 117-109 loss Friday to the shorthanded Charlotte Hornets, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Sometimes I don’t feel it’s me. I’m just being out there. I used to have really fun, smiling on the court, but it’s just been so frustrating for a lot of reasons, not just basketball.”

Doncic cited issues in his private life but didn’t elaborate.

While the Mavs star is having another highly productive campaign, injuries have recently kept him out of the lineup. He missed four contests in February due to a heel contusion and five this month with a lingering thigh injury.

Dallas has lost three straight games and seven in 10. They’re currently sitting outside of the play-in tournament just a year after making the West finals.

The blockbuster move for Kyrie Irving hasn’t worked out thus far. The team is just 7-12 with Irving in the fold and 3-7 when the eight-time All-Star starts alongside Doncic.

After the club’s lackluster effort against the Hornets, Doncic is taking it upon himself to set the tone for the remainder of the season.

“We got to fight hard, play harder,” Doncic said. “That’s about it. We got to show we care and it starts with me first. I’ve just got to lead this team, being better, playing harder. It’s on me.”

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