Luka Doncic mentioned his defensive enchancment, offensive rhythm and the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship ambitions after scoring 45 factors in Sunday’s 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Doncic additionally recorded 15 rebounds, six assists and 5 steals, persevering with a run of 4 consecutive video games with at the very least 37 factors. Requested about his defensive fame, the Lakers star acknowledged he was not among the many NBA’s greatest defenders however mentioned he had made progress this season.
“I’m not the most effective defender within the NBA. This 12 months I actually took a step ahead,” Doncic mentioned.
He added that outdoors criticism would proceed, however his teammates acknowledged the development and its impression on the workforce. Doncic additionally mentioned his determination to take fees, drawing three in opposition to Toronto after making it some extent of emphasis.
The guard mentioned he had not taken 5 fees in a season for a number of years and wished to enhance in that space. He famous that such performs don’t at all times obtain a lot consideration, though they contribute to the workforce.
Doncic mentioned his offensive rhythm was enhancing after lacking six or seven months of basketball. He was not involved with particular person manufacturing so long as the Lakers continued profitable.
“I’m looking for that rhythm and it’s getting higher,” he mentioned.
The Slovenian additionally addressed the elevated physicality within the NBA, saying defenders have been allowed extra contact over the previous two seasons. He mentioned gamers should alter to how video games are officiated and reply with the identical degree of aggression defensively.
Reflecting on final season’s end, Doncic described the frustration of seeing the Lakers’ championship hopes fall brief. He recalled the workforce going 13-2 in March and feeling it had the roster to compete for a title, making the eventual ending notably irritating.
Sunday’s win improved the Lakers’ report to 5-2. Doncic will look to increase his scoring run when Los Angeles hosts the Miami Warmth on Monday night time.
