Luka Doncic delivered another high-scoring performance for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, but his work on defense drew particular attention after a 131-125 home victory over the Toronto Raptors. Alongside his 45 points, Doncic collected five steals and drew three charges, prompting praise from teammates and both coaches.
Those defensive plays accounted for eight Toronto turnovers. According to ESPN Research, Doncic became the first player to combine five steals with three charges drawn in a game since player tracking began in the 2013-14 season. He also grabbed a season-best 15 rebounds, all at the defensive end.
Doncic said he believes he has made meaningful progress defensively this season, even if public perceptions have been slower to change. He stopped short of calling himself the league's best defender but said he and his teammates recognize his improvement. When told of the compliments from Lakers center Walker Kessler and coach JJ Redick, he smiled and answered, "Finally."
Kessler described the combination of steals and charges as exceptional and said Doncic receives too little recognition for his defense. The Lakers acquired Kessler in an offseason trade to strengthen a unit that ranked 20th in the NBA during the 2025-26 season. Against Toronto, he watched Doncic contribute through both taking the ball away and stepping into opponents' paths.
Redick highlighted the charges as evidence of leadership from the 27-year-old guard, who drew two against RJ Barrett and another against Scottie Barnes. The coach said sacrificing his body for the team showed Doncic's determination to win, adding that the competitiveness so visible in his offensive game also extends to defense.
Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic also praised Doncic, saying he had returned this season in excellent shape and looked healthy. Doncic, meanwhile, said he did not understand his poor defensive reputation but acknowledged that drawing charges had rarely been part of his game during six and a half seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. He has made a greater commitment to it in Los Angeles because of the energy it gives the team.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, who contributed 11 points off the bench against his former team, attributed Doncic's defensive effort to pride and hunger. He said Doncic was determined to avoid being viewed as a player opponents could repeatedly target.
On offense, Mamukelashvili credited Doncic's skill, suggesting it takes three defenders to contain him. Sunday's performance was Doncic's third game with more than 40 points in his past four appearances. He leads the NBA in scoring at 37.7 points per game.
