The Los Angeles Lakers, currently holding the NBA's best record at 10-2 and on a six-game winning streak, are considered serious championship contenders with the league's highest-rated offense. However, Mavericks star Luka Doncic points to their defense as the most significant area for improvement.
"I think we can be [good defensively], but honestly I think we just kind of relax a little bit a couple minutes in the game," Doncic said following the Lakers' 124-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. "So that allows the team [to] make the run. I think we just gotta figure that out. I think we can be way better than [19th]. I think we have the potential for that."
Doncic, who has faced scrutiny for his defense throughout his career, has demonstrated notable improvements this season. Against the Hawks, he contributed 32 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, five steals, and two blocks. He is currently leading the league in scoring at 39.3 points per game and is having an MVP-caliber start to the season, showing increased effort on defense.
His defensive statistics this season reflect this increased commitment, leading the NBA in recovered loose balls with nine and tied for second in charges drawn with four.
As a team, the Lakers' defense reportedly falters when center Walker Kessler is not on the court. They are also tied for second-to-last in the league in rebounding, averaging 40.3 per game. Despite these statistics, the team is exhibiting effort towards becoming a stronger defensive unit.
The Lakers rank highly in several defensive categories, including second in steals per game (10.8), second in total deflections (240), and third in blocks per game (6.4). Kessler leads the league in contested shots with 140, and Matisse Thybulle is second in deflections with 50.