Luka Dončić Says His Defense Has Improved as Los Angeles Lakers Beat Toronto Raptors

Luka Dončić said he has taken a step forward defensively after scoring 45 points with 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals as the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Toronto Raptors 131-125 at Crypto.com Arena to improve to 5-2 on Sunday, Nov. 1. Coach JJ Redick and center Walker Kessler also praised his defensive work after the game.

Asked why he lacks a strong defensive reputation, Dončić said, “Obviously, I’m not the best defender in the NBA.” He went on to say he believes he is better in 2026-27 and that the improvement helps the whole team. He added that “People going to talk bad no matter what.” When told about his teammates’ and coach’s comments, he answered, “Finally!”

Redick said “He’s been awesome on defense” and pointed to Dončić’s on-ball containment over the season’s opening games. Kessler said “Luka doesn’t get enough credit for his defense,” and credited his positioning. Kessler also said Dončić “had five steals and three charges.”

Dončić shot 12-of-23 from the field and 8-of-12 from 3-point range. In the first quarter he had 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block, giving the Lakers a 36-23 lead.

The Lakers led 104-82 after three quarters before Toronto outscored them 43-27 in the fourth and cut the final margin to six. The win followed a 25-point lead the Lakers gave back to Golden State on Oct. 30.

The First Quarter Is the Case Redick Is Making

Dončić’s steals and charges turned into transition offense, and the Lakers forced 15 turnovers that became 23 points. Four of his five steals and two of his three charges came in that opening quarter, which is where the activity Redick described showed up most clearly.

The reputation and the performance are separate questions, and only one of them moved on Sunday. If Dončić is now contributing on defense as well, the Lakers are getting more out of his minutes than his scoring alone would suggest.

Miami Visits Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 2

The Lakers play the second game of a back-to-back against the Miami Heat at home on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. PT. That game will show whether Dončić can keep up the same defensive work on no rest.