Luka Doncic reflects critically after a historic season start: "I am not the best defender in the NBA"
The Slovenian from the Los Angeles Lakers is putting up numbers not seen in scoring, but still wants to keep improving
Luka Doncic once again delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. The Slovenian scored 45 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 131-125 victory at the Crypto.com Arena, although his contribution was not limited to the offensive end. Despite being one of the top scorers in the NBA, his defensive performance continues to be scrutinized and remains one of the most questioned aspects of his game.
The point guard himself acknowledged that he still has room for improvement but stated that he is working to elevate his level in this area during the season. Against Toronto, in addition to his 45 points, he added 15 rebounds and five steals, drew two offensive fouls, and finished with a +27 differential. All of this in a game the Lakers won by six points.
Doncic defends his evolution in the defensive aspect
When asked about the reasons he has not been able to change the perception regarding his defensive performance, Doncic admitted that he is not one of the best specialists in the league, although he believes he is making progress.
«Obviously, I am not the best defender in the NBA, but I think this year I am really taking a step forward. People are going to say what they want, and the media will too. But I know, and my team knows, that I am better this year, and I think that helps the whole team,» he explained.
The Lakers player also highlighted the importance of defensive actions that do not always have a significant reflection in the statistics, such as drawing offensive fouls. He recalled that until last season, he had managed only five in six or seven years.
«That kind of action energizes everyone. They are reflected in the statistics, but not too much. However, they bring energy to the whole team. I wanted to improve in that aspect, and drawing two offensive fouls in a game isn’t bad at all,» he pointed out.
«People will criticize no matter what»
Doncic is aware of the comments he receives about his defensive performance and states that he uses those criticisms as additional motivation. The Slovenian, who is in his third season with the Lakers, prefers to focus on his own work and on how he can help the team.
«Look, people are going to criticize no matter what. So I try to focus on myself, on my team, and on how I can contribute more. But, as I said before, I believe I have taken a big step forward on both ends of the court. I just have to keep it up,» he concluded.
The point guard is clear that he must continue improving on defense, although he also acknowledges that he will not always be able to change others' opinions about his game, regardless of the progress he makes in that area.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luka Doncic hace autocrítica tras un inicio de temporada histórico: "No soy el mejor defensor de la NBA"
