One of the main criticisms throughout the career of Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic has been his defense, namely that he gave very little effort on that end of the floor. But after his physical transformation this past offseason, many hoped he would be improved on the defensive side and that has been the case so far.
While it is obviously a small sample size, Doncic is averaging 2.0 steals in his five games played so far this season and in the Lakers’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs he not only matched a career-high with five steals, but also added a pair of blocks.
Luka is clearly giving more effort overall on defense, and is admittedly focusing on a couple of specific areas where he feels he can help the Lakers on that end.
“I mean, first of all, just communication,” Doncic responded when asked where is defensive focus lies. “You know, getting the people in the right spot. You know, a lot of times I’m low man, so I’ve got to communicate that. I’ve got to put people in their spots. Then just the activity. I think it’s better. I’m more focused. And just got to keep going with that.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has stressed the importance of defense since training camp and the entire team has bought into that, Doncic included. And with him on board there is no excuse for the rest of the team to not give everything they have on the defensive end.
And while some may believe the constant criticisms pushed Luka to really lock in on defense, the Lakers star said it was really just a matter of him looking in the mirror on the things he can do to help his team.
“I’ll just say myself,” Doncic added. “Obviously, there’s always going to be critics. I get that, but I think it was more myself. I think I can do some more things to help my team win. So it was more for myself.”
The season is only just beginning, but the early returns are great for both Doncic and the Lakers. The key now will be continuing this level effort and activity as the season goes on so the Lakers can continue their strong start to the season.
Luka Doncic enjoying playing with Lakers roster
Something else that has been apparent has been the joy that Luka Doncic, and the rest of the Lakers, have been playing with this season. The group has already built great chemistry together and Doncic made it clear that he is enjoying playing with this Lakers team.
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