Ric Flair Criticizes Luka Doncic’s Absence in Game 3 Against the Thunder, Slams His $46 Million Salary
Luka Doncic’s absence in Game 3 of the Lakers’ second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder did not go unnoticed — especially not by WWE legend Ric Flair. The Thunder took full advantage of the situation, securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with a dominant 131-108 victory at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
Before the game even began, Flair, a longtime supporter of LeBron James and the Lakers, expressed frustration with Doncic’s decision to sit out the game. The WWE legend, known for his larger-than-life persona, took to social media to voice his disappointment over Doncic’s absence, especially given his hefty salary.
“Luka Doncic, there is only one word I can possibly say, and that’s DISAPPOINTED. 46 million dollars, and you can’t play. OMG, I would jump off the Empire State Building with a parachute for 46 million dollars a year, and I don’t even know how to pull the cord to open it — but I would take my chances,” Flair wrote on X.
Doncic, who is earning $45,999,660 for the 2025-26 season, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old signed a three-year extension with the team earlier this season, opting out of his player option for the 2026-27 campaign. Despite his substantial paycheck, Flair questioned why a player of Doncic’s caliber wasn’t suiting up for his team, especially with the Lakers fighting to stay in the series.
Flair’s frustration was not new. Just days earlier, he urged the Lakers to trade Doncic, suggesting his absence was a significant blow to the team. He had also confidently stated before Game 2 that LeBron James could lead the Lakers to victory without Doncic.
“With or without Luka Doncic, I’m so confident that LeBron James will prevail tonight! You can sit on the sidelines or be in the game. WOOOOO!” Flair wrote ahead of Game 2 on social media.
Despite Flair’s optimism about James, the 77-year-old WWE legend’s perspective seems to be that of a passionate fan, not a basketball expert. Flair has made it clear he’s a huge supporter of LeBron, but he appears to be overlooking the reality that the Lakers are at a disadvantage without their star player, Doncic.
In Game 3, LeBron James posted 19 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds but shot a modest 7-19 from the field (36.8 FG%) and 2-6 from three-point range (33.3%). While these numbers are impressive for a 41-year-old, it became evident that LeBron couldn’t carry the entire offensive load alone. James himself admitted after Game 1 that Doncic’s absence was leaving a noticeable void that the Lakers struggled to fill.
Flair, however, didn’t seem to understand the importance of prioritizing Doncic’s health. While it’s clear the Lakers are in dire straits with the series on the line, risking an injury to a player of Doncic’s caliber could potentially jeopardize his long-term career. If the team’s medical staff believes he is not ready to play, then it’s crucial to trust their judgment rather than pushing him to take the court before he is fully recovered.
Had Flair expressed his frustration after the game, it would have been easier to understand given the Lakers’ perilous position, down 0-3 in the series. But Flair’s criticism before the game shows a lack of understanding of the situation, especially given that the Lakers’ chances of beating the defending champions without Doncic are slim.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ front office is unlikely to make any decisions based on Ric Flair’s comments, but the situation remains interesting. It will be worth watching if Doncic decides to respond to Flair’s critiques in any way, though it’s unclear if that will happen given the ongoing pressure surrounding the Lakers’ playoff run.
