Luka Doncic had another MVP-level performance with 45 points in a win over Toronto on Sunday night, but the main topic of conversation in LakersThe locker room was his defense, he writes ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Doncic has made an effort to improve that aspect of his game in his first season as the team’s clear leader on the court, and it showed with five steals and three draws.
“Obviously I’m not the best defender in the NBA, but I think I’ve really taken a step forward this year.” said Doncic, who also finished with a season-high 15 rebounds. “Obviously people are going to say what they want (about) me … But I know and my team knows that I’m better this year.”
Defense and durability have been Doncic’s main weaknesses throughout his career, but he is working to improve in both areas. He admits he never focused on offensive fouls during his time in Dallas, but that changed after the 2024 trade to Los Angeles.
“I think taking charge is just a form of leadership, right? You’re putting your body on the line for the team.” coach Jay Jay Reddick said. “…He’s trying to win. You see that competitiveness so many times on offense, but he’s also competitive on defense.”
More on the Lakers:
- Redick was frustrated that his bench unit couldn’t close out Sunday’s win, for Hobie Price of The California Post. After they allowed Toronto to go on an 11-2 run late in the game to cut a seemingly safe lead to five points, Redick turned Doncic back on, Austin Reeves, Walker Kessler and Mathis Tiboule in the last 44 seconds. “We just didn’t take good care of the ball in that situation.” Redick said (Link to video on Twitter). “So I’m not going to make that mistake again. I’m going to leave the guys. You’ve got to play until the last buzzer, and if the guys aren’t ready to play, I’m just not going to put them.”
- Cameron Carrwho was pushed aside by a right oblique deformityplayed less than a minute Sunday in his NBA debut. The first-round pick practiced three times with a member of the team in the G League this week and said he’s ready to start, Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register relay in history for subscribers only. “I feel pretty good physically” Carr said before the game. “I’m excited. Just ready to get my nerves out, make one big play, do something good, get a layup, get a steal, do anything to get my body moving, get my nerves going.”
- Lawson Lovering had to quickly pack up and get on a flight to Los Angeles after the Lakers signed him bilateral contract on Wednesday, Royer adds. The 23-year-old center is adjusting to a new team after being cut out Memphis in late September. “I just think I can bring elite size, my feel to the game,” – said Loving. “I think defensively and rebounding, I can come up and set tough screens, get guys open.”
- AK Okerekewho was waived to make room for Lovering, was reacquired by the Coachella Valley Lakers of the G League announced.