The Los Angeles Lakers left Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 searching for answers after an 89-point offensive showing in a 104-89 defeat to the Boston Celtics. Speaking postgame, guard Luka Doncic acknowledged the team’s struggles against Boston’s pressure defense and said the only solution is to respond with equal force.
“They were physical. They played great defense,” Doncic said. “We scored 89 points. That’s not like us, so we’ve got to be better.” The 25-year-old star finished with 25 points but, like teammates Anthony Davis and LeBron James, shot below his season average as Boston racked up steals and transition opportunities.
Matching Contact on Both Ends
Doncic emphasized that Los Angeles cannot rely on officiating to bail them out when opponents ramp up the contact. “You’ve just got to match the physicality on both ends, especially on the defensive end,” he explained. “When referees are letting us play that way, we need to do the same.”
The Celtics repeatedly crowded the Lakers’ ball-handlers—a tactic Doncic said his club must adopt. “Look at how Boston plays. They’re very aggressive, grabbing and holding. The refs are letting it go. We need to play physically on both ends,” he added.
Rethinking the Tone-Setters
Los Angeles has relied heavily on its Big 3 for creation, a limitation highlighted by the Celtics’ pressure. While the roster is not the league’s biggest or most athletic, Doncic insisted there is still room to impose more force from the opening tip rather than reacting to opponents’ style.
Trade Deadline Backing
The Lakers made just one move at the recent trade deadline, sending Gabe Vincent to Memphis for Luke Kennard. According to team sources, Doncic supported the front office’s decision to keep the core intact while adding outside shooting.
Los Angeles will try to reclaim momentum when it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 24.
Source: LakersNation.com
