Luka Dončić Accepts Defensive Challenge as Lakers Zero In on Stops
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Luka Dončić says the Los Angeles Lakers’ stars must set the tone on defense after head coach JJ Redick demanded greater effort during a recent meeting with the All-NBA guard and LeBron James.
“He was right,” Dončić said Wednesday following practice at the team’s facility. “You have to give a little more, especially the star players. That’s on us, that’s on me.”
Defense lags despite strong record
Los Angeles owns the Western Conference’s third-best mark at 18-7, yet sits 20th in defensive rating, 23rd in fast-break points allowed and 28th in opponents’ three-point percentage. With extra practice time available after the club’s NBA Cup exit, Redick used on-court drills and a pointed film session to highlight lapses and outline new standards.
Immediate results in Phoenix
The first post-meeting test came Sunday, when the Lakers edged the Phoenix Suns 116-114. Los Angeles limited Phoenix to 15 points in the third quarter, including nearly eight scoreless minutes. Redick later replayed those defensive possessions to illustrate what he expects every night.
“We should be like that,” Dončić said. “Phoenix is one of the most physical teams in the NBA, and we did a pretty good job.”
Next up: Utah
The Lakers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Los Angeles narrowly defeated Utah 108-106 last month, and Redick called the rematch another defensive “litmus test,” noting Utah’s off-ball screening and Lauri Markkanen’s versatility.
“You have to be super disciplined against them,” Redick said.
The Lakers’ bid to transform a strong start into sustained excellence now hinges on whether their stars can turn Wednesday’s words into nightly stops.
Source: ESPN
